Productivity, Revenue Status and Future Prospects of Wild Date Palm Trees Cultivation in Bangladesh

Abstract

A descriptive study was conducted in Jessore district (south-west part) and Natore district (north-west part) in Bangladesh to determine the productivity and revenue status and potentiality of wild date palm cultivation. A questionnaire with semi-structured questions was used to collect necessary data from 400 respondents by face-to-face interview during November 2020 to April 2021. The respondents were categorized into three groups based on their land pattern, juice collection and juice processing. The highest 44.50% wild date palm is cultivated in boundary areas of farming land and 24% planted in homestead areas, at the same time 6.25% respondents cultivated date palm trees as a main crop. Most of the respondents (96%) process juice without any cost. Per season TK.1600-2100 net average income can be earned from per tree with a very low maintenance cost. Wild date palm produces a significant amount of molasses without using farming land. Our local growing demand, molasses is great source of sugar. A lot of seasonal job opportunity is created in rural economy for wild date palm cultivation. Besides molasses, it provides fuel wood throughout the year. Its leaves are used in handicrafts industry to make floormate. At the same time Date trees have environmental importance. Date trees are the evergreen tree. So, it has a great importance on socio – ecological balance.