About 1,200 people in two N dists make living by preparing ‘Jhuri’

BOGRA, May 08: About 1,200 people of Bogra, and Joypurhat districts are living their lives by preparing crunchy snack, locally known as Jhuri.
Source said around 300 families in Dupchanchia, Kahaloo, Adamdighi, Sonatola, Sherpur, Gabtoly, Shibganj, Nandigram, Shahzahanpur, Dhunot and Sadar upazilas of Bogra and Akkelpur, Pachbibi, Kalai, Khetlal and Sadar upazilas of Joypurhat started the job about 13 year ago on a small scale. Now, the profession has been expanded with the support of NGOs and government organisations.
In a recent visit, this correspondent came to know that Ajay Mali of Akkelpur upazila of Joypurhat took the profession of making crunchy food item 36 years back. 'Jhuri' has changed the socio-economic condition of a good number of village people.
Artisans prepare around 50 maunds of Jhuri everyday and sell those to different kitchen markets at Tk 50 to Tk 60 per kg. Locally Jhuri is also popular to some neighbouring districts.
Anukul Kumar Barmon of Akkelpur upazila said he started making the food item after taking a short training from Aladipur village. "I earn Tk 500 to Tk 700 by selling it at different places", he added.
Jhuri is popular among the people of the northern districts. The demand of the tasty item is increasing as the artisans use quality ingredients in it, said a wholesaler Bablu Pramanik of under Panchbibi upazila of Joypurhat.
Chairman of Bogra Chamber of Commerce and Industry Masudur Rahman said Jhuri making is profitable. Every year a minimum of 10 new families of Bogra and Joypurhat are getting involved with the profession and attaining financial solvency.
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