Lalmonirhat: With the onset of the Bangla month of Joishtho, popularly known as the "Madhu Mash," seasonal fruits have begun to arrive in markets across the district, bringing renewed activity to local trade hubs. Mangoes, jackfruits, litchis, pineapples, and jamrul are now being sold in different parts of the district headquarters. However, traders say prices remain relatively high due to limited early-season supply, even though buyer interest remains strong.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a visit to key marketplaces such as BDR Gate, Mission More, Paur Bazar, Goshala Bazar, Chandni Bazar, the Bus Terminal, Railway Station, and Court Bazar areas shows temporary stalls set up by seasonal traders, offering a variety of colorful and fresh fruits. The arrival of these seasonal products has added vibrancy to local market activity.
The District Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reports that both local and improved fruit varieties have started reaching markets, with supply expected to increase in the coming weeks. Popular mango varieties currently available include Gopalbhog, Khirsapat (Himsagar), Langra, Hadibhanga, Arapali, Fazli, Ashwina, Mohanbhog, and Bombay. Jackfruit varieties such as Gala, Rasa, Khaja, Chhota Khaja, Bara Khaja, Deshi, and Madhu are also being sold.
In the litchi segment, varieties such as Bombay, Madraji, China-1, China-3, Bedana, Muzaffarpuri, Elachi, Kadmi, and Bari are available in the market. Farmers report increasing commercial cultivation of hybrid and high-yield varieties like China-3, Bombay, and Madraji. Pineapples such as Honey Queen (Jaldugi), Giant Q, Ghorashal, Calendar, Desi, and Pahari are also being traded.
At present, jackfruit is selling at Taka 100-200 depending on size and quality, mango at Taka 20-80 per kg, pineapple at Taka 50-70 per piece, and litchi at Taka 200-700 per 100 pieces. Traders expect prices to stabilize as supply increases in the coming weeks.
Consumers have expressed mixed reactions regarding pricing. Kausar Alam, a buyer at Mission More, mentioned that while the fruits are nutritious and tasty, prices are a bit high at the start of the season. Fruit seller Ikramul Haque indicated that prices are expected to fall once supply increases.
Farmers in the region remain optimistic. Jahangir Alam of Barabari union noted that favorable weather conditions have led to good harvest expectations this year, while litchi farmer Mansur Rahman reported consistent profits contributing to household income stability.
Litchi trader Yasin Ali has leased half of his land for fruit cultivation this year and has already begun sales to wholesalers from Dhaka. According to Deputy Director of DAE Dr. Md. Saikhul Arifin, mango cultivation covers 506 hectares in the district, jackfruit 216 hectares, and litchi and pineapple around 10 hectares combined. He added that homestead-based fruit farming is also gaining popularity among local growers.