Wiseghat fruit market abuzz with summer arrivals
During a visit to the market, large watermelons from Natore were selling at Tk200 to 220 each in the wholesale market, while smaller ones were priced at Tk50 to 55.
Wiseghat, located on the banks of the Buriganga River and considered one of the country's largest wholesale fruit markets, is now bustling with seasonal fruits.
The traditional market is showcasing different varieties of mango, litchi, pineapple, watermelon, palm (Taal), jackfruit and other summer fruits.
Mango varieties such as Himsagar, Guti, Gopalbhog and Gobindobhog have already started arriving at the Wiseghat warehouses.
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Along with these, litchis from Pabna, pineapples from Tangail, jackfruits from Rangamati and palms from Barishal have enlivened the market.
The peak season for local fruits at Wiseghat usually begins during Baishakh and Jaistha. Besides mangoes and litchis, the market is also filled with pineapples from Tangail, muskmelons and watermelons from Natore. Traders expect supply and demand to increase further in the coming days.
During a visit to the market, large watermelons from Natore were selling at Tk200 to 220 each in the wholesale market, while smaller ones were priced at Tk50 to 55.
Sayed Hossain of M/S Sayed Enterprise said, "Although the watermelon season is nearing its end, there is still demand in the market. Sales increase as temperatures rise. However, demand for other summer fruits is currently higher."
Himsagar mangoes from Satkhira are being sold at Tk40 to 70 per kg in the wholesale market. Gobindobhog mangoes are priced at Tk40 to 45, while Gopalbhog varieties are selling at Tk30 to 40 per kg.
Guti mangoes are being sold at Tk30 to 35 wholesale and Tk50 to 55 in the retail market.
Mohammad Shipon, an employee at Bawal Farm, a mango wholesaler, said, "As it is the beginning of the season, mango demand is slightly low. We expect sales to peak around the Eid holidays as supply increases."
Bombay and China-3 varieties of litchi are arriving from Pabna. Bombay litchis are selling at Tk2,000 to 3,000 per thousand in the wholesale market.
In the retail market, 100 pieces of Bombay litchis cost Tk250 to 300, while China-3 litchis are selling at Tk500 per hundred.
Dragon fruit from Jashore is selling at Tk180 to 260 per kg wholesale. Palm (Taal) from Barishal is being sold at Tk50 to 400 per bunch, with customers particularly enjoying the soft kernels (Taaler Shansh).
Small jackfruits from Rangamati are priced at Tk30 to 50 each wholesale, while larger ones cost Tk100 to 110. Pineapples from Tangail and Rangamati are selling at Tk28 to 40 wholesale and Tk35 to 50 retail.
Retailer Mohammad Sohag said demand for pineapples is good due to the heat and is expected to rise further as temperatures increase.
Local resident Abdullah Mamun, who came to buy fruits, expressed hope that prices would decrease once the full supply reaches the market.
As the season progresses, the supply of fruits at the Badamtali-Wiseghat fruit hub continues to grow, with warehouses filling up with summer produce.
