Bumper Anshfal Yield in Paikgachha Brings Smiles to Farmers

Paikgachha upazila in Khulna is experiencing a bumper yield of anshfal (longan) this season. Local farmers credit favorable weather and proper care for the abundant production across various unions. With high market demand, both orchard owners and traders are enjoying strong prices and good profits.

Anshfal, locally known as "Kathlichu" or the "poor man's lychee," is a traditional fruit of rural Bengal. It hangs in bunches and resembles a smaller, rounder lychee with a white skin and sweet juice. While the local variety briefly lost popularity to commercial fruits like apples and grapes, the introduction of improved, fleshier varieties has sparked a resurgence in consumer demand.

A bustling morning wholesale market for the fruit now operates in the Kathipara market of Raruli Union. From here, traders supply anshfal to neighboring districts and Dhaka. Currently, 100 anshfal fruits are selling for Tk 80 to Tk 100, while the yield of an entire tree is being wholesaled for Tk 800 to Tk 3,000 depending on the size.

However, farmers face a significant challenge: protecting the harvest from bats. Alauddin, a trader from Mathbati village, explained that bats can devour an entire tree's fruit in a single night once they discover it. To prevent this, farmers have completely covered almost all bearing trees with protective netting. The fruit will remain available in the market until late August.

According to local sources and the Upazila Agriculture Office, Paikgachha’s soil and climate are highly suitable for anshfal cultivation. Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Ekramul Hossain confirmed that the yield is exceptional this season due to a low incidence of disease.

He noted that cultivating anshfal requires less maintenance and financial investment compared to other commercial fruits. Because of the high profitability and low production costs, many unemployed youths in the area are now turning to commercial anshfal farming. The Agriculture Department continues to provide regular advice and technical assistance to support this growing local sector.