Farmers’ fortunes brighten with bumper litchi harvest in Narail’s Pankabila

Pankabila village in Narail Sadar Upazila is now widely known as the district’s “Litchi Village.” Almost every household in the village is surrounded by bunches of juicy red litchis, reflecting the success of local farmers who have transformed their lives through commercial cultivation of early-season varieties.

Located near Narail town, the village is filled with rows of litchi orchards. Trees planted in home yards, beside ponds and along roadsides are now laden with ripe fruit. Farmers say the village’s main advantage is that its litchis ripen earlier than those in many other parts of the country, allowing them to enter the market first and secure better prices.

Encouraged by strong profits, more farmers in nearby villages are now turning to litchi cultivation. Wholesalers from different districts are purchasing fruit directly from orchards due to high market demand.

Farmers begin harvesting litchis early every morning before preparing them for shipment. On average, each orchard produces around 40,000 to 50,000 litchis daily during the peak season. Traders said litchis are currently being bought from orchards at Tk 1,600 to Tk 1,700 per thousand and later sold in markets for Tk 2,000 to Tk 2,800 per thousand. Buyers from Dhaka and other parts of the country are visiting Pankabila regularly.

Muhammad Arifur Rahman, deputy director of the Narail Department of Agricultural Extension, said Pankabila has become well known for its early-season litchi production. According to the department, litchi is currently cultivated on around 41 hectares of land in the area.

He said farmers have significantly improved their economic conditions through commercial cultivation, while the Agriculture Department continues to provide technical support and guidance.

Locals believe government support, improved cold storage facilities and export opportunities could further expand the market for Pankabila’s litchis and contribute to the national economy.