Sustainability within the litchi value chain in Dinajpur, Bangladesh

Dinajpur, Bangladesh, is famous for its delicious sweet-savory litchi. The environmental conditions in this region are favorable for litchi production. However, the roles of stakeholders in the litchi industry and their impact on sustainability remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the stakeholder dynamics, value distribution, and sustainability challenges within the value chain of litchi in Dinajpur. Data was collected in two methods. Firstly, the major stakeholders, i.e., grower, trader, researcher, and supporter were interviewed online. Secondly, a face-to-face survey was conducted at Auliapur, Dinajpur. The research reveals fundamental issues such as negligible government involvement, limited financial support, insufficient postharvest infrastructure, and growers’ low environmental consciousness. In the chain, there are growers, Aratdar (auctioneer), Pikar (wholesaler), retailers, and consumers. In this male-centric chain, value share of litchi growers’ 90.90% followed by Pikar and retailers (each 4.55%). Growers were affected by a 13.88–19.20% loss per 1000 litchi fruit and a 29.98–34.60% loss per 1000 Tk (€9.92). In the orchard, unregulated agrochemicals are affecting sustainability; however, accepting reusable plastic crates and using traditional bamboo baskets to support the local basket maker is helping the community.