Nauhata, Rajshahi May 09 (V7N) –The first of the season's litchis have appeared in the Rajshahi market, but the majority are reportedly immature, presenting a mix of green and light red hues with a predominantly sweet and sour taste. While ripe litchis are expected to arrive within a week, these early offerings are already being sold, with 100 local Muzaffar variety litchis fetching 400 taka. Medical advice strongly cautions against consuming unripe litchis.

The Department of Agriculture advises that to ensure optimal quality, local litchi varieties should not be harvested for at least another seven days. However, continuous heat is causing litchis to fall prematurely, compelling farmers to sell them before they fully ripen. Consequently, consumers are allegedly being deprived of the true sweet taste of the fruit.

Visiting the Nauhata market in Paba upazila on Wednesday afternoon (May 7th), vendors were seen displaying baskets filled with these green and light red litchis, often interspersed with litchi tree leaves. Saju, a litchi seller, explained, "Whenever a new fruit becomes available, we try to be the first to bring it to the market. The price is good initially, and they sell quickly, reducing the risk of loss. This time, we've brought the first indigenous Muzaffar litchis from the Babupara orchard in the Nohata municipality area." He added that while litchis typically arrive later, orchard owners cited the excessive heatwave as impacting the yield, leading to their decision to sell early.

Saju mentioned purchasing 100 litchis from the orchard for 320 taka and selling them for 400 taka, yielding a profit of 50 taka per hundred after costs. He had brought a small quantity for the first day.

Maqbul Hossain, a customer, said, "New fruits have arrived, though they aren't fully ripe. I came with my young daughter, and seeing the first seasonal fruit, she was curious. So, I bought 100 for 400 taka to make her happy."

However, Anwar Hossain, another shopper, refrained from buying litchis, stating, "The litchis in the market now are immature. Many sellers are bringing raw litchis to make a quick profit. Their taste isn't sweet, and eating them can cause stomach aches. So, I'm buying other fruits." Another buyer echoed this sentiment, criticizing the sale of unripe fruits driven by growers seeking extra profit and suggesting that administrative oversight could ensure ripe fruits reach the market for everyone to enjoy.

Umme Salma, Deputy Director of the Rajshahi Department of Agricultural Extension, emphasized, "Farmers are advised to market litchis after at least seven more days to maintain their quality. Consuming unripe litchis deprives consumers of their nutritional value and taste. Even the weight will be less than expected."

He further stated, "We consistently advise garden owners to harvest fruits only when they are ripe. It is not yet the time for litchis; it will take another week. Anyone harvesting now is doing so prematurely. It is better to avoid eating these litchis."

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