Low-income people earn a living with raw palm kernels in Chandpur

Chandpur's low income people have been earning a living by selling raw palm kernels in the hot summer weather and buyers are satisfied to be able to enjoy the juicy fruit.

Local youths Anwar Parvej, Tahmidul Islam and Abu Sayed said soft palm kernels are a good relief in the current weather and they consume it as it is free from adulteration.

Vendor Shahina Akter and her husband sell raw palm kernel to thirsty people at the Baitul Amin Chattar after buying a few bunches of the fruit from rickshaw vans brought to Chandpur town. The fruits are brought from Shahtoli, Moishadi and Baburhat areas-- located at the outskirts of the town.

Shahina said she can earn around Tk 500-600 per day after selling per kernel at Tk 15-20. She said that it is a hard working job and she has no other way.

Elias Mia, Almas Bokul and a few other vendors of palm kernels have expressed a similar sentiment.

Around 150 people have been engaged in the seasonal business in several areas of the town. The areas include Pal Bazar; Biponibagh Bazar; Natunbazar; areas at Chaudhury ghat, Chandpur 250 Bed General Hospital, Chandpur Govt. College, Govt Mohila College, Baburhat Bazar, Shologhar, Mohamaya Bazar, Bakila Bazar and some areas in the upazila hub.

According to Dr Golam Mahbub, palm kernels are beneficial for the human body.

A group of immoral people is involved in felling palm trees across the district and the trees are seldom seen due to rapid urbanisation, according to forest officer Tajul Islam and agricultural expert Abdul Mannan.

Swapon Mahmud, a former UP chairman of Shah Mahmudpur Union in Sadar Upazila, and Pervin Akter, a female entrepreneur and political leader in Lodergaon village, said some carpenters and "skilled" craftsmen are making Konda boats from the felled palm trees.

Local elderly people Mafijul Islam, Abdul Hoque Sarker and Maulana Faruq Ahmed said govt should encourage villagers to plant more palm trees.

maayerbadhon@gmail.com