Date juice is sweet sap extracted either from the date trees especially in winter season. The juice contains high natural sugars and other nutrients. The juice can be solidified to molasses which is used in making a variety of traditional cakes, badam papri (a sweet made with peanuts) and other delicacies. Also, molasses can be consumed with puffed or flattened rice.
But date juice is becoming rare. To promote date juice, the Institute of Fine Arts of the University of Dhaka, arranged the date juice festival on January 19, 2019. They have arranged this for the eighth time to remind us about the tradition of date juice, its taste and how it is a part of the Bangladeshi culture.
During winter season in Bangladesh, even now, the whole process of collecting, extracting and selling date juice helps economic activities. Blacksmiths sell sharp machetes in winter. These are used to clean and peel off layers from the neck of date trees. Potters make the small earthen pots where the juice is collected. A different kind of pot is used to boil the juice to produce molasses. Climbers (gachhi) and farmers are also engaged in collection of date juice.
This has been the situation for centuries now. But of late, it is being observed in rural areas, especially in south-western districts, that the number of mature date trees is decreasing. This is happening despite strong demand for the tree's juice and a growing number of people interested in taking up date juice harvesting as a profession now.
The major reason for the decline is the absence of skilled professionals who can prepare the tree trunks and extract the sap. Many people are leaving the profession because the season only lasts during the winter months. Demand for firewood from brick kiln is another factor influencing the decline.
This tradition should be protected. In order to protect this, modern extraction techniques can be used. Also, efforts from the Department of Agricultural Extension aimed at safeguarding date trees can help.
Md. Zillur Rahaman
Islami Bank Bangladesh Ltd.
Lalmohan Branch, Bhola.
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