Sustainability within the Litchi Value Chain in Dinajpur, Bangladesh

Abstract Dinajpur, Bangladesh, is famous for its delicious sweet-savory litchi. The climate in this region is ideal for litchi production. However, the roles of stakeholders in the litchi industry and their impact on sustainability remain unclear. This investigation was designed to outline the sustainability of the litchi value chain. Data was collected in two methods. Firstly, the major stakeholders, i.e., grower, trader, researcher, and supporter were interviewed online. Secondly, an in-person survey was conducted at Auliapur, Dinajpur. In the chain, there are growers, Aratdar (conducts the auction), Pikar (wholesaler), retailers, and consumers. In this male-centric chain, litchi growers control 90.90% of the value share, while Pikar and retailers each account for 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.