Rajshahi litchi orchards draw tourists during harvest

As the first light of morning spread across the orchards of Rajshahi, groups of visitors gathered beneath rows of bright red litchi clusters, taking photos, tasting freshly picked fruit and enjoying the scent of summer harvest in the countryside.

For many tourists arriving from Dhaka and nearby districts, a visit to Rajshahi is no longer limited to mango gardens alone. This year, the district’s booming litchi orchards — especially those producing the popular Bombay variety — have emerged as a new seasonal attraction, blending agriculture with rural tourism.

Local growers say weekend crowds have increased sharply over the past two weeks as families, travel groups and social media content creators visit orchards in areas such as Paba, Bagha and Borobangram to experience fruit harvesting firsthand.

With the advent of ‘Modhumash’, Bangla month of Jyestha, the juicy fruit litchi has started appearing in the country's markets. Photo: Daily Observer

Known nationally as the country’s “mango capital,” Rajshahi is now witnessing growing commercial and tourism potential around litchi cultivation following a bumper harvest this season.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), around 528 hectares of land have been brought under litchi cultivation across the district this year. Authorities have set a production target of 3,775 metric tons, with projected trade transactions expected to reach between Tk 56 crore and Tk 60 crore.

The highly sought-after Bombay variety has now entered the market in full swing after the early local varieties neared the end of their supply cycle. Traders said strong production and improved fruit quality have increased demand from wholesalers across the country.

Farmers say favourable weather and timely rainfall played a key role in improving fruit size, colour and sweetness this season. Pest attacks also remained comparatively low, reducing pesticide use and helping orchards maintain healthier production.

Liton, a grower from Borobangram, said many visitors are now coming directly to orchards to buy fresh litchis and spend time with family members in a natural environment.

Farmers sort out litchis after harvest at an orchard in Rajshahi. Photo: BSS

“People are enjoying the experience of picking fruit directly from the trees. Many are treating it like a day-long rural tour,” he said.
Farmers in Bagha and Paba said direct orchard-based sales have increased this season as tourists and wholesalers prefer fresh collection from gardens instead of traditional markets.

Tourism operators in Rajshahi believe the growing popularity of orchard visits could open a new chapter for agro-tourism in the region, particularly during the summer fruit season.

Local transport operators, roadside food vendors and small businesses are also benefiting from the increased movement of visitors and traders.

Market data shows that prices of high-quality Bombay litchis have also become more affordable compared to last year. While 100 pieces sold for up to Tk 500 last season, the same quantity is now selling between Tk 300 and Tk 350 depending on quality.

Litchi harvest continues in full swing with plenty of supply, huge demand and better prices in the markets. Photo: The Asian Age

Every day, hundreds of trucks carrying litchi are leaving Rajshahi for different parts of the country, including Dhaka and Chattogram, helping strengthen the region’s seasonal economy.

Officials of the DAE said litchi is gradually becoming an important horticultural product alongside mango in Rajshahi’s agricultural economy.
Papia Rahman Moury, additional deputy director (horticulture) of DAE Rajshahi, said the district’s litchi sector is showing strong potential due to favourable weather, better orchard management and rising market demand.

She expressed hope that Rajshahi’s expanding litchi cultivation could eventually develop into a major agro-tourism attraction while further strengthening the rural economy.