Heat Sparks Demand for Tender Palm Fruit in Paikgachha

As intense summer heat grips the coastal region, the demand for tender palm fruit locally known as taler shash has surged in Khulna’s Paikgachha upazila. Seasonal vendors are busy selling the jelly-like, water-rich fruit at local markets, bus stands and intersections, offering residents much-needed relief from the scorching weather.

Rich in vitamins and minerals, tender palm fruit is highly valued for its ability to prevent dehydration, reduce fatigue and aid digestion. Its naturally cooling properties make it a favorite among children and adults alike during the sweltering month of Jaistha.

However, local fruit trader Abdur Sattar noted that adverse weather and a lack of rain have caused a drop in this year's overall yield. Despite the lower harvest, the local trade remains vibrant. Every week, two to three trucks loaded with premium palm fruits are dispatched from Paikgachha to wholesale hubs in Dhaka, including Karwan Bazar.

At the local level, traders purchase the seasonal fruit rights to an entire palm tree for Tk 400 to Tk 1,200. Mobile vendor Mujibur Rahman, from Silemanpur village, said he earns between Tk 2,000 and Tk 3,000 daily by selling the fruit from his van. Individual pieces of the fruit currently retail for Tk 5 to Tk 10.

Beyond their economic and nutritional value, palm trees play a crucial role in environmental protection. Unfortunately, many mature trees in the region are cut down each year.

Addressing this issue, Paikgachha Upazila Agriculture Officer Md. Ekramul Hesen emphasized the importance of conservation. "Palm trees act as natural lightning arresters and help prevent soil erosion during storms," he said. "We are actively encouraging farmers and locals to plant more palm saplings instead of cutting them down."