Litchi orchards across Dinajpur are in full bloom, with farmers expecting a strong harvest if weather conditions remain favourable.
Golden clusters of blossom have appeared on trees of Bedana, China-3 and Madrasi varieties in Sadar, Biral and Chirirbandar upazilas. Growers say the scale of flowering this season points to the prospect of higher output compared with last year.
Farmers are now focused on orchard management, irrigating trees and applying pesticides under expert advice to protect blossoms from pests.
Abdul Kadir, a grower in Biral, said good flowering usually signals a promising season. He said the weather had so far supported production and that, in the absence of major natural calamities, yields could surpass the previous year’s record.
Data from the Department of Agricultural Extension show that more than 25,000 metric tonnes of litchi were produced on about 5,680 hectares in Dinajpur last year. Officials expect output to exceed that level this season.
The crop plays a key role in the local economy, generating seasonal work for thousands of labourers. Wholesalers from Dhaka, Chattogram and Rajshahi have already started visiting orchards, with some purchasing gardens at the flowering stage for substantial amounts.
Dinajpur’s Bedana litchi received Geographical Indication recognition last year, boosting its profile. The variety, locally known as “nature’s rosogolla”, is now being exported, and agricultural experts say consistent quality control could strengthen its position in overseas markets.
Deputy Director Agriculturist Md Afzal Hossain of the district agricultural extension office said field-level officials were advising farmers on irrigation schedules and pesticide use to safeguard the blossoms.
