Experts stress boosting molasses industry for export earnings

NN ONLINE:

Experts have stressed the need for comprehensive measures to revive and modernize the country’s traditional date molasses industry, emphasizing its potential to earn substantial foreign currency through expanded exports.

A recent joint study by Khulna University and Dhaka University researchers underscored the importance of promoting molasses in international markets, replanting date palm trees, and protecting the century-old heritage industry from decline.  The study was conducted at Bangladesh’s largest date molasses market in Sarojganj, Chuadanga, once considered a symbol of rural prosperity.

The research, published in the International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, was jointly carried out by Associate Prof Dr. Md Mahmud Alam of History and Civilization Discipline at Khulna University, Md Nurul Alam of Department of Islamic History and Culture at Dhaka University and former KU student Md Al-Amin.

The study revealed that the Sarojganj market, though locally believed to be three centuries old, emerged in the early 20th century and evolved into a major commercial hub integrating trade, finance, and small-scale industry.

Speaking to BSS, lead researcher Dr. Mahmud Alam said, “Sarojganj plays a vital role in the rural economy, but its sustainability is now under severe threat. The number of date palm trees is shrinking alarmingly as they are being used as fuel in brick kilns, and the younger generation is turning away from the risky work of sap collection.” He cautioned that rampant adulteration poses the biggest challenge to the molasses trade.

“Dishonest traders are mixing harmful chemicals, soda, and color to increase profit margins, endangering public health and tarnishing the reputation of a traditional industry that once symbolized Bangladesh’s village economy,” he said.

The research recommended several steps to protect and expand the industry, including: replanting date palm trees in Chuadanga and nearby districts; introducing modern sap extraction techniques; providing specialized training and financial support for farmers and producers; strengthening enforcement against adulteration; developing infrastructure and transport facilities at molasses markets; raising awareness about the heritage and nutritional value of pure date molasses; and promoting the product internationally through branding and marketing campaigns.

According to the study, Bangladesh’s molasses has growing demand in both domestic and overseas markets, with exports currently reaching India, Sweden, Canada, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.

Between 2017 and 2022, the Sarojganj market alone traded an average of 5,412 metric tons of molasses annually, valued at around Tk 703 million. The market primarily deals in four major varieties-patali (nolengur patali), dana gur, jhola gur, and chitiya gur and supports a thriving pottery-based cottage industry that produces earthen pots for packaging and distribution.

Researchers emphasized that with proper government and private sector intervention, the molasses industry could become a major source of rural employment and foreign exchange earnings while preserving a rich element of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage.