Traditional catechu industry in a tight corner

Once widely known as a hub of Bangladesh's sole catechu (khayer) production, Charghat in Rajshahi is now witnessing a steep decline in the traditional industry.

From over 100 factories during its golden era in the 1960s-80s, only 8-10 exist today.

With historical roots dating back to 1947, when the industry was initiated by Munshi Nurul Haque, Charghat's khayer gained national recognition for its natural sweetness, deep colour, and medicinal properties, commonly used in betel quid and traditional remedies.

In the decades following Partition, the arrival of skilled Bihari craftsmen from India transformed the local production techniques, paving the way for the industry's golden era in the 1960s to 1980s.

At its peak, over a hundred small-scale factories operated in the region, providing livelihood for nearly a quarter of the local population, according to local residents. Today, however, fewer than 10 factories remain operational.

The production of khayer is a labour-intensive, multi-step process involving bark extraction from catechu trees, boiling in earthen pots to produce raw resin, which is then condensed and solidified into a dark, block-shaped product called gutikhoir. The final product requires months to dry and cure, adding to the long production cycle.

However, the primary challenges confronting the industry include: Severe shortage of catechu trees, the raw material essential for production; Rising cost of inputs, with raw bark prices skyrocketing in recent years; Outdated manufacturing techniques, lacking mechanisation or

innovation; unfair competition from low-cost imported catechu, particularly from Indonesia; middlemen dominance in the supply chain, affecting fair pricing and lack of institutional support, credit access, or market linkage.

Local entrepreneur Abbas Ali Sheikh laments, once, khayer from Charghat was sent all over the country. Now, even finding raw trees is difficult.

Another businessman, Abdul Halim, shared, earlier, an investment of Tk100,000 could yield double in returns. Now, even triple that amount does not ensure profit.

Entrepreneurs, including Ashraf and Enamul Haque-members of the local Khayer Producers' Association-highlighted the absence of government-backed credit schemes, training initiatives, or marketing assistance. They warn that without intervention, the industry may vanish entirely.

Currently, one maund (approx. 37 kg) of raw lalikhoir sells for Tk12,000-15,000, while dried gutikhoir can fetch up to Tk30,000. Yet, due to foreign competition and falling domestic demand, many producers are forced to sell at a loss.

Abdul Razzak, general secretary of the Charghat Khayer Business Association, stated, "Without government intervention, this heritage industry will not survive. We need reforestation programme for catechu trees and low-interest credit facilities."

While forest department official Mahbubur Rahman claims that 10,000 catechu saplings are planted annually with hopes of easing raw material shortages within a decade, industry insiders argue that such steps are too slow to address immediate concern. Charghat's Upazila Cooperative Officer, Abdul Mukim, admitted, "Though a cooperative society exists for khayer producers, it is currently inactive. There are no financial support mechanisms in place. We will raise the issue with higher authorities."

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