Boalkhali: After a long hiatus, the collection of white sap has resumed from the trees in Boalkhali’s Amuchia rubber plantation, where local entrepreneurs have once again begun harvesting the sap since early October.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, entrepreneur Alok Barua mentioned that the plantation hosts approximately 10,000 rubber trees. Workers initiate the process by cutting the bark of selected trees at 5 am daily, allowing the milky white sap to flow into containers. By 9 am, the collected sap is transferred to plastic drums for storage.
Alok Barua further stated that they collect an average of 500 kg of rubber sap daily, which is sold to various companies across the country at a price of Tk 270-275 per kg. The plantation currently employs 50 workers, who earn a monthly salary of Tk 12,000-15,000.
Similar to Alok Barua, local residents Kalu Barua and Gias Uddin have leased the rubber gardens from Paragon Company for Tk six lakh over a two-year period. The 70-acre hilly plantation was originally established by an organization named Kanungo Valley but faced losses and was later acquired by Paragon Company.
Entrepreneur Gias Uddin has also developed additional fruit gardens, including mango and cassava. He noted that rubber tree sap is available from October to February, after which its yield declines.
Gias Uddin claimed that he collects 500 kg of sap daily, which allows for storage of up to 15,000 kg per month. With a rate of Tk 270 per kg, the market value would be Tk 40.5 lakh, while the monthly salary for 15 workers is around Tk seven lakh.
Locals have expressed satisfaction with the resumption of sap production, observing that the collection of the white sap is rapidly increasing in the area.