Manikganj: The seasonal extraction of juice from date trees has begun in different areas of Manikganj district with the onset of winter. Most of the extractors, locally known as gachhis, are selling fresh date juice collected from the trees at local markets, roadside stalls, and small shops at road junctions every morning. The extractors said the business is profitable and easy as it does not require burning firewood.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, fresh date juice enjoys high demand among people from all walks of life due to its sweet taste and seasonal popularity. Many town dwellers also visit remote villages during the winter season to collect fresh date juice. The extractors noted that selling raw date juice is more profitable and less labor-intensive than producing molasses. However, conscious citizens have expressed concern over the risk of Nipah virus transmission.
In response, the extractors said the juice is collected safely as the pots are covered with cloth or polythene, preventing bats from coming into contact with the juice. Md Hafej Uddin, a date tree extractor from Manta village under Manikganj Sadar upazila, said date juice extraction is his seasonal business. He added that the extraction starts in the month of Agrahayan (mid-November to mid-December) and continues until Falgun (mid-February to mid-March).
He also mentioned that the taste of date juice improves from the middle of the season when cold waves intensify across the region.