Photo: Messenger
The Golpata tree harvesting season has kicked off in the Sundarbans from Monday, extending through March 31. The forest department has outlined a target of 7000 metric tons of Golpata from two Golpata wells located in the Chandpai range of the East Sundarbans division for this season.
Bawalis, responsible for Golpata collection, have completed all necessary preparations in anticipation of the harvesting season. Foresters ventured into the Sundarbans on Monday to gather Golpata from the Chandpai range under proper permits.
Experts have noted a decline in Golpata fertility and the deteriorating condition of palm trees due to inadequate collection and pruning. The untouched trees experience a significant reduction in fertility over time, necessitating Golpata procurement to maintain ecological balance.
Sheikh Md. Anisur Rahman, the Chandpai Range Station Officer, confirmed that 27 small and large boats have been brought to the Sundarbans by the Bawalis to collect Golpata.
Notably, the Chandpai range houses two Golpata wells, namely Shyala Golpata well and Chandpai Golpata well, with stringent security measures in place to ensure uninterrupted Gol leaf collection.
He emphasized that only Golpata trees are to be harvested, and any unauthorized cutting of other tree species or damage to the forest will result in strict action under the Forest Act.
This season, the revenue from Golpata, excluding VAT, stands at Tk 60 per quintal. However, the decreasing use of Golpata has resulted in a diminishing extraction from the wells.
Previously, 150-200 boats filled with Golpata were gathered, but this time, due to reduced Golpata availability, the collection is expected to be lower, as stated by a forest department official.
Local residents, like Barek Bayati of Sharankhola upazila and Ekram Gharami, highlighted the need for boat repairs ahead of Golpata harvesting. However, they expressed concerns over reduced demand and prices, making it challenging to sustain their families. Once the Golpata season concludes, the boats, specifically used for this purpose, are left in the river.
Golpata leaves are widely utilized by Khulna residents for constructing thatched roof houses, given their unique upward growth from the ground. Despite a decline in demand, Golpata remains a crucial product of the mangrove forest due to its significance among local communities.
Liton, a Golpata trader in Mongla, noted a decrease in sales due to reduced demand, leading to surplus Golpata from previous seasons.
Messenger/Disha
