Natore Aims to Produce Tk 108 Crore Worth of Molasses

In Natore, producers are ramping up their efforts to meet the growing demand for date molasses, a sweetener that has seen a significant price increase across the country. With an expected production of 9,790 tonnes of date molasses during the winter season, the district is set to generate over Tk 108 crore in revenue. This ambitious production target is being fueled by the region’s vast number of date trees, which play a central role in the extraction of molasses.

Date Tree Statistics

Natore is home to a staggering 418,880 date trees, of which 321,135 are suitable for collecting date juice. On average, each tree produces 207 liters of juice during the winter season, and from that, approximately 22 kilograms of molasses can be made. The total number of people involved in this labor-intensive process of extracting juice and making jaggery is about 8,000.

Lalpur upazila, in particular, stands out as the area with the highest concentration of date trees. This upazila has around 113,635 date trees growing along roadsides, railway lines, and in courtyards. Approximately 3,000 families in the region are engaged in the collection of date juice, contributing to the upazila’s molasses production target of 2.5 tons.

Production and Economic Impact

A typical Gacchi (date sap collector) is responsible for collecting juice from 50 to 55 trees every day. Over the course of the 70 to 75-day winter season, a grower can collect 30 to 35 kilograms of jaggery from a single tree. Notably, date trees require minimal care and can thrive with regular trimming during the winter, making them a low-maintenance crop for farmers.

In addition to producing molasses, the leaves of date trees are also used to make mats and house fences, providing further economic value to the community.

Local Stories of Success

Local producers like Belal Hossain from Barasail village and Akram Hossain from the Singra upazila are benefiting financially from this industry. Belal collects juice from 70 to 80 trees each year and sells his jaggery both locally and from home. Akram, on the other hand, has increased his collection to 120 trees this year, further solidifying his family’s success in the business.

Hazrat Ali and Mintu Ali from Lalpur echoed the growing recognition of the area’s molasses, with their jaggery being supplied nationwide, including to the capital, Dhaka, and sometimes even abroad.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite the overall success of the industry, there are challenges, particularly regarding the production of adulterated jaggery. Producers are calling for better management of the market to ensure that molasses and jaggery are sold at fair prices, while also addressing issues related to substandard products.

The agriculture department has been working to address these concerns, with regular mobile court campaigns aimed at identifying and taking action against those involved in the production of adulterated jaggery. In addition, the department is advising farmers on safe production practices and how to market their products more effectively.

The Future of Molasses Production

The district’s agricultural officials are optimistic about the future of date molasses production. Lalpur Upazila Agriculture Officer, Pritam Kumar, has encouraged farmers to plant more date trees to expand the industry. Md. Abdul Wadud, Deputy Director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), highlighted the widespread economic benefits, noting that around 10,000 people in the district benefit from the production of jaggery each year.

With the right market strategies, there is significant potential for molasses production to grow further, both within Bangladesh and potentially in international markets, further boosting the local economy.