Malda, West Bengal

Malda (Bombai) Litchi

Malda is the second-largest litchi-producing district in West Bengal after Murshidabad, and the Kaliachak blocks (Kaliachak 1, 2 and 3) produce almost sixty percent of the district's yield. The popular 'Bombai' litchi is cultivated mainly in the Kaliachak region and is exported to international markets. Growers and wholesalers at Kaliachak supply both local and export-grade fruit. Buyers can get fresh litchi from orchards and wholesalers from April to June.

Typical price: ₹80-300 per kg

Buying tip: Buy ripe, glossy red fruit in April–May; the horticulture department explicitly warns against buying immature green litchis, which have caused health incidents in the past. Kaliachak wholesalers supply both local and export-grade fruit, so ask for a ripe lot.