Rajshahi: An intense heatwave sweeping across Rajshahi has triggered an unusual crisis in litchi orchards, with fruits cracking on trees before ripening and in many cases falling prematurely, raising concerns among farmers over possible production losses. Since the beginning of April, the district has been experiencing mild to moderate heatwaves. On Wednesday, the maximum temperature rose to 40 degrees Celsius, the highest recorded so far this season.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the heatwave has been accompanied by unstable weather patterns, including continuous spells of moderate heat interrupted occasionally by sudden light rainfall, significantly affecting litchi cultivation. At orchards on the Public Health Engineering Office premises in the Chandipur area of the city, litchi trees were found bearing near-mature fruits, but several fruits in each bunch had already split. Many were also seen with blackish and brown spots, while a number of small litchis had fallen to the ground prematurely.
Farmers have reported that high daytime temperatures combined with insufficient soil moisture are disrupting the normal development of the fruit. A similar situation was observed in orchards in the Raypara area. Orchard owner Rafiqul Islam mentioned that while litchi cracking during heat is not new, this year's intensity is unusually high, raising fears of reduced yield. Iman Ali, a litchi grower from Mohanpur upazila, expressed concerns over the fluctuating weather, stating, "It was extremely hot a few days ago, and now humidity has increased again. Because of this weather fluctuation, litchis are splitting on the trees, and we are very worried."
Abul Kashem, a farmer from Godagari, highlighted that the lack of rain combined with high humidity is worsening the situation. He warned, "If this unstable weather continues, Rajshahi's litchi production will suffer serious damage." Meanwhile, Mohammad Nasir Uddin, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension in Rajshahi, confirmed that the damage is mainly due to the heatwave. He explained that prolonged heat followed by sudden rainfall causes rapid swelling inside the fruit, while the skin cannot expand at the same rate, leading to cracking. Similar reports have been received from field offices.
Shahidul Islam, Senior Observer at the Rajshahi Meteorological Office, noted that temperatures have been rising steadily since early April, with Wednesday marking an escalation to an intense heatwave. Intermittent rainfall was recorded during the month, including 6.6 millimeters last Sunday and light showers on April 8, 9, and 10.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension, Rajshahi had 530 hectares of litchi orchards last year, producing 3,768 metric tons of fruit. This year, orchard area slightly decreased to 528 hectares, but production targets were set higher. However, current weather conditions have raised doubts about achieving the target. Officials have expressed concerns that the combination of heatwave conditions and irregular rainfall is creating uncertainty over the region's famous litchi production, with farmers now hoping for stable and favorable weather in the coming days.
Agricultural experts have advised farmers to ensure regular irrigation even during dry spells and, if necessary, to spray water on trees. They also suggested the use of boron, zinc, or plant hormones to help reduce fruit cracking.