As winter approaches, the traditional practice of date palm trees for sap has begun as Chuadanga is renowned for its quality date palm sap and molasses, a winter staple.

The molasses of Chuadanga, known for its unique taste, is supplied in different parts of the country after fulfilling the demand of the locality.

This year, a target has been set to produce 2,700 metric tons of molasses from 2,71,960 date palm trees.

During a recent visit, this correspondent found that the farmers are passing busy days to prepare the trees as the delicious molasses is not only consumed locally but also supplied across the country.

Every year, they usually produce about 10 kilograms of molasses from each tree. They are currently engaged in the intricate process of preparing date palm trees for sap collection.

The harvesting season will begin shortly.

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Jamir Ali, a local farmer, said "Tapping date palm trees is not easy, sometimes it is difficult to maintain balance on the tree. But when I can save some money for my family during the winter, it feels worth it."

Saddam Hossain, a farmer from Dinanathpur village in Sadar Upazila said "I’ve already pruned and cleaned 80 date palm trees. He cut on the trees to allow sap to flow as winter dew increases."

“I have 40 trees and the rest have been leased. If prices are good this season, I hope to earn around Tk two lakh by selling molasses," he added.

Khalilur Rahman, a farmer from Makhaldanga Union, said "Every year, we lease date palm trees from their owners for four months. We have to pay two kilograms of molasses and Tk 250 per tree. This year, I’ve leased 100 trees. Despite challenges, I’ve continued this profession handed down by my ancestors and I’m now preparing for the sap collection."

Masudur Rahman Sarkar, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), said this year, there are 2,71,960  date palm trees in four upazilas of the district.

Among these, 98,500 are available in Sadar upazila,  45,410 in Alamdanga, 90,200 in Damurhuda and 37,850 in Jibannagar upazilas of the district.

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"If weather conditions remain favorable, there is a possibility to produce 2,700 metric tons of molasses. Tapping date palm trees requires skill and patience, making experienced farmers highly sought-after during this season,” he said.

He also added that thousands of seasonal farmers in Chuadanga are engaged in making molasses during winter.

However, the number of trees has been declining due to the use of trees as fuel for brick kilns, he said.

Traditional pithas like pitha, puli, and payesh made from molasses remain popular throughout the season while the date palm leaves are also used to make durable and attractive mats.