Faridpur Correspondent

Faridpur, known for its high-quality date molasses, is experiencing a busy winter as gachhis, or date juice collectors, are working tirelessly to meet the seasonal demand for date juice and molasses. The molasses produced in this district is supplied across the country after fulfilling local needs, earning Faridpur a reputation for excellence in this traditional craft.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Faridpur, the district has 1,21,380 date trees spread across nine upazilas, and this year’s target is to produce 220.7 metric tons of molasses.

Gachhis in various parts of the district have been collecting date juice and processing it into molasses, with each tree yielding around 4 to 7 kilogrammes of juice daily between November and February. It takes approximately 9 kilogrammes of juice to produce 1 kilo of molasses.

During a recent visit to Shaibrampur and Gongabordi areas of Faridpur Sadar upazila, gachhis were seen climbing trees in the afternoons to hang earthen pitchers for juice collection. By dawn, these pitchers were taken down, and the juice was boiled into molasses over stoves. Many locals also enjoy fresh date juice directly from the trees.

Md. Enamul Hasan, a seasonal producer from Domrakandi, has leased 800 date trees at Tk 450 per tree. With a team of 10 workers, he produces around 60 kg of molasses daily, which he sells at Tk 550-600 per kg.

The industry provides employment opportunities to many, including Md Ripon, a date juice collector earning Tk 15,000 per month.

Seasoned producers like Md Fojol Mollah, who has been in the trade for 11 years, have made a steady livelihood out of it. Fojol, who leased 84 trees this season, expects to earn Tk 80,000-95,000 after expenses. The demand for molasses is so high that buyers often pay in advance to secure their supply, he said.

Md Ataur Rahman, a producer from Rajshahi who operates in Shibrampur, has leased 120 trees with his son. He anticipates producing 2,700 kg of molasses this season, catering to customers from across the country who reach out to him via mobile phone.

Locals also appreciate the authenticity of Faridpur’s molasses. Pobir Kanti Bala from Faridpur town recently bought 15 kg for his family and relatives, while Somser Ali purchased 5 kg to send abroad to his son.Shadat Hossain, senior agriculture marketing officer in Faridpur, said the growing scale of the industry, estimating its value at Tk 163 crore this winter.