BSS: With eight more days left before the start of the Bangla month Joishtho, also known as “Modhumash,” the juicy fruit litchi has started appearing at local markets, including those in Rajshahi city and its adjacent areas, on a limited scale. But due to its low quantity, the price is beyond the purchasing capacity of the common public. Summer will bring in abundance many other juicy fruits like mango and jackfruit in the region by the middle of this month and June, which will infuse dynamism into the local economy like the previous years.
Dr Shafiqul Islam, principal scientific officer of the Fruit Research Station, said only the local varieties of litchi have started appearing in the markets, but the Bombay variety is expected to enter the markets within the next couple of weeks. He said many are getting benefits by growing litchi as China-3 (hybrid), Bombay and Madrazi are the most popular varieties in the region. Litchi grows well in Rajshahi and Dinajpur but litchi of Ishwardi is very delicious and famous across the country, Dr Islam added.