Pinky Akhter, Rangamati

The markets of Rangamati are now full of seasonal fruits. Boats are arriving at the floating market one after another in the early morning. They are loaded with ripe seasonal fruits. Farmers are busy to attend the morning market. However, this time, even though there is a harvest, the farmers complain that they are not getting the desired price.

Samata Ghat in Banarupa, Rangamati is always busy. Some are selling on boats, while others are selling fruits on the banks of Samata Ghat. Buyers and wholesalers are coming out to see the fruits on boats. The entire area is bustling with the activity of buyers, sellers and workers.

Wholesalers are buying their favorite fruits and loading them into trucks. Those trucks are rushing to the ends of the country. Now mainly mangoes, litchis, jackfruit and pineapples are available in the market.

Samiran Tanchagya, who comes from Bandookbhanga area of Sadar Upazila, said, "I have brought 100 maunds of mangoes. Several farmers from our area have come together to sell seasonal fruits. Since the demand for ripe fruits is high, they are not facing much difficulty in selling them.

Ripe mangoes are being sold in the market for 70 to 150 taka per kg. Ripe litchis of the domestic and China three varieties are being sold for 140 taka per 100 pieces. In addition, a pair of pineapples is being sold for 50 to 80 taka and jackfruits are being sold for 40 to 80 taka depending on the size. Along with domestic fruits, there is a demand for dragon fruit in the market.

Chattogram businessman Md. Mizan said, fresh and good quality seasonal fruits are available at Samata Ghat. If the price is good, I will buy the fruits. Now mainly mangoes, litchis, jackfruits and pineapples are available in the market.

According to the District Agricultural Extension Department, this time mangoes have been cultivated in 3,635 hectares, jackfruit in 3,375 hectares, litchi in 19,03 hectares and pineapple in 2,560 hectares in the district. The production target of these seasonal fruits has been set at 2,11,000 metric tons. The fruits of the hills taste good due to the characteristics of the soil. The District Agricultural Extension Department said that fruits worth 500 crore taka are sold annually.

If fair prices are ensured, the fruits of this region will play a bigger role in the economy of the endangered country, the concerned people believe.