Date molasses: a seasonal treat with high demand

Faridpur, known for its high-quality date molasses, witnesses a busy winter as gachhis or date juice collectors work tirelessly to meet the seasonal demand for date juice and molasses. The molasses produced in this district is supplied across the country after meeting local needs, which has earned Faridpur a reputation for excellence in this traditional craft.

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

Gachhis in various parts of the district have collected date juice and processed it into molasses, with each tree yielding around 4 to 7 kilograms of sap daily between November and February. About 9 kilograms of juice are required to produce 1 kilo of molasses.

During a recent visit to Shaibrampur and Gongabordi areas of Faridpur Sadar upazila, Gachhis were seen climbing trees to hang earthen jars for collecting sap in the afternoon. At dawn these jugs were removed and the juice was boiled over ovens to make molasses. Many locals also enjoy fresh date juice straight from the trees.

Md. Enamul Hasan, a seasonal producer from Domrakandi, has rented 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 offers employment opportunities to many, including Md Ripon, a date juice collector who earns Tk 15,000 per month.

Experienced producers like Md Fojol Mollah, who has been in the industry for 11 years, have made a living from it. Fojol, who has leased 84 trees this season, expects to make a profit of Tk 80,000 to Tk 95,000 after expenses. The demand for molasses is so high that buyers often pay in advance to ensure their supply, he said.

Md Ataur Rahman, a producer from Rajshahi working in Shibrampur, has leased 120 trees with his son. He expects to produce 2,700 kg of molasses this season, supplying customers from all over the country who contact him by cell phone.

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