Nawabganj:Dinajpur The traditional practice of collecting date palm sap and producing jaggery is in full swing in Nawabganj upazila, Dinajpur, with the onset of winter. This seasonal industry is attracting workers from various parts of Bangladesh to the area, contributing to the local economy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the process begins in the early hours as tappers climb date palm trees to collect fresh sap from pots hung on the trees. The sap is then boiled in large pans over clay stoves to produce the jaggery. In Daudpur, a group of workers was observed engaging in this activity, preparing for the increased demand for this winter delicacy.
Hazrat Ali, a worker from Bagmara upazila in Rajshahi district, shared that his team, consisting of six workers, has been coming to Nawabganj every winter for four years. They start their work in mid-Kartik, having taken 232 date palm trees in the area on a contractual basis. The team produces around 25 to 30 kilograms of jaggery daily, with expectations for increased output as the season progresses.
The jaggery, sold at Tk 230 per kilogram to wholesalers and Tk 260 to retail buyers, attracts many customers to the production sites. Local schoolteacher Rafiqul Islam emphasized the importance of date palm jaggery in traditional winter foods due to its unique taste and aroma. He and others prefer purchasing directly from the site to ensure product freshness and quality.
Nawabganj upazila BNP President Tarikul Islam, along with Upazila Nirbahi Officer Bidhan Kanti Haldar, recently visited the production sites and noted the jaggery's growing popularity. The UNO advised workers on maintaining hygiene during production, with compliance observed. This seasonal trade not only upholds a rural tradition but also provides employment for migrant workers in Nawabganj each winter.