¶¶Òõ¾«Æ·

The cherished tradition of date juice in Patuakhali is under threat as production continues to decline.

Locals fear that this winter heritage may vanish, with field data showing the number of date trees in the southern coastal region has fallen by nearly half over the past decade.

As a result, the seasonal production of juice and jaggery has been disrupted, creating a supply shortage in local markets. Despite rising demand, producers are struggling to secure financial gains due to dwindling output.

According to the district’s Department of Agricultural Extension, there are currently 1,28,035 date trees in the district. Last season, jaggery production amounted to only 4.1 tonnes.

Officials noted that molasses output had been comparatively low since much of the juice was sold directly on the market.

Farmers described the decline vividly. Abdul Karim of Bauphal Upazila recalled that from his 30-35 trees, he once collected 15–20 litres of juice daily. Now, with only 16 trees, he gets just 4-6 litres. ‘The price has risen to Tk 100-120 per litre from Tk 50-60 earlier, but reduced production means profits are far less than before,’ he said.

Professional juice collector, also called gachi, Shamsul Hawlader of Dashmina Upazila shared that seasonal Patali jaggery output has dropped from 200-250 kilogram to just 50-70 kilogram. Currently, Patali sells for Tk 300-350 per kilogram and Nalen for Tk 450-500, but limited supply hampers business.

Young farmer Chhamim Mridha of Kalapara Upazila explained that three products — Nalen jaggery, Patali jaggery, and date sugar — are made from juice. ‘Demand is rising, but shortages of skilled gachi and juice prevent us from expanding production,’ he said.

Golachipa’s Alam Khan added that his daily Nalen jaggery production had fallen from 8-10 kilogram to only 2-3 kilogram. ‘Wholesalers from Dhaka and Barisal place advance orders, but we cannot deliver due to low supply,’ he lamented.

Small farmer Rokon Uddin of Mirzaganj reported that his trees have dwindled from more than 30 to just 8, cutting his seasonal income nearly by half.

Producers believe recovery is possible through salinity control, planting new trees, proper training, and improved market management.

Rabeya Khatun Kochi, assistant teacher at Baufal Daspara Model Government Primary School, said: ‘Date juice is part of our winter tradition. But with fewer farmers and trees, the tradition is at risk. If this continues, future generations may never know the true taste and joy of date juice.’

Former Baufal Press Club president Kamruzzaman Bachchu said: ‘The decline in date juice production affects not only farmers and producers but also the local economy and culture. Without coordinated government initiatives, preserving this tradition has become difficult.’

Officials acknowledged the challenges. Bauphal upazila agriculture officer Md Milon told BSS that rising coastal salinity, neglected trees and a shortage of skilled workers were key reasons for the decline.

‘We are encouraging new plantations and planning to train tree workers in the coming season. With modern tube technology, sap extraction could increase by 20-30 per cent,’ he said.

Talking to BSS, Bauphal upazila nirbahi officer Aminul Islam said: ‘The administration is working with the Agriculture Department to sustain date cultivation. We will offer support and incentives for planting, production, and training.’

DAE deputy director Md Amanul Islam told the news agency that most date trees grew naturally, with few being deliberately planted.

‘Due to inexperience, many trees are cut down unnecessarily. Rising fuel costs have also reduced jaggery production, pushing farmers to sell raw juice instead. This threatens the traditional khejur gur processing,’ he explained.

‘Planting new date trees is essential to preserve this tradition,’ he said, adding that the government was already advancing plantation activities through various incentives and programmes.