Dhaka: With the arrival of the Bangla month of Jyestha, known fondly as “Modhumash,” the vibrant markets of Khulna are seeing an influx of mangoes and litchis. These beloved summer fruits have started to appear in abundance, attracting residents of Khulna City and its surrounding areas.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the local fruit shops are bustling with activity, offering popular varieties like the Satkhira mango and litchis from Jashore, Kustia, and Meherpur. The prices remain accessible to customers, thanks to a bumper crop and high demand. A visit to the city’s fruit stalls reveals varieties such as ‘Gopalvog’ mangoes being sold at Taka 70 to Taka 80, ‘Gobindavog’ at Taka 90 to Taka 100, and early ‘Himsagar’ at Taka 110 to Taka 120 per kilogram.
Shoppers are eagerly purchasing these fruits from both established fruit shops and makeshift market stalls. Fruit sellers, including Kazi Mohiuddin at KCC’s kitchen market, noted that the current prices are lower than last year, with mangoes being sold at a reduced rate compared to the previous season.
Litchis, too, are in high demand, available in varieties such as ‘Bombai,’ ‘Bedana,’ and ‘China-3,’ with prices ranging from Taka 250 to Taka 400 per bunch, depending on quality and size. Seasonal traders have set up temporary shops across Khulna’s bustling market areas, including Boro Bazar, Clay Road, and Rupsha Bazar.
Fruits seller Kazi Mohiuddin explained that while the prices are slightly elevated due to limited supply, they are expected to decrease as more fruits enter the market. Alamgir Mia, a trader on Clay Road, noted some farmers are harvesting immature litchis in hopes of securing higher profits.
Customers expressed satisfaction with the current pricing, with Shahidul, a printing press employee, appreciating the affordability. Abdul Hamid, another customer, echoed this sentiment, attributing the reasonable prices to the large stock of fruits.
However, concerns about the use of harmful chemicals like formalin to preserve fruits have been raised. Dr. Zahidul Islam from the Khulna Diabetic Association emphasized the need for regular monitoring to ensure chemical-free produce, citing health risks associated with formalin-laced fruits.
Khulna, an emerging mango-producing region, is anticipating a record-breaking season. The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Khulna projects a harvest valued at Taka 863.31 crore. This season, an estimated 1,07,914 tonnes of mangoes are expected to be produced across 7,890 hectares in Satkhira, Narail, Bagerhat, and Khulna districts.
Md Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director of the Khulna Regional Agricultural Extension Directorate, highlighted the economic boost this crop will provide. Notably, mango varieties like ‘Gobindovog,’ ‘Gopalvog,’ ‘Langra,’ and ‘Himsagar’ have significant export potential, with ‘Golapjam’ from Tala upazila also in high demand both domestically and internationally.