Sales of dates have increased at the Sadarghat-Badamtoli fruit market in Old Dhaka ahead of Ramadan. Known as one of the country's largest wholesale and retail fruit markets, the area is home to most importers' wholesale depots (arats). Because many varieties of dates are available at comparatively low prices, traders as well as ordinary buyers are crowding in.

Nazrul Islam, a private-sector employee, came to Badamtoli to buy dates for his family and relatives, buying about 8 kg of various kinds. He told Jagonews24 that prices here are comparatively low and many kinds of dates are available in one place, so he is buying in bulk for Ramadan. He said many other ordinary buyers and traders like him are coming to buy dates.

Prices for 5 kg packs at the depots are:

• Mariam VIP: Tk 5,000
• Kalni: Tk 2,900
• Farida: Tk 1,750
• Sukkari: Tk 1,850
• Sufri: Tk 2,000
• Chhara: Tk 2,200
• Medjool: Tk 5,700
• Minifi: Tk 1,800
• Rabea: Tk 2,050
• Kalmi: Tk 2,600
• Khurma: Tk 1,000
• Mariam Zamzam: Tk 4,700
• Masruk: Tk 2,300
• Medjool large: Tk 7,200
• Medjool medium: Tk 6,100
• Mabroom: Tk 5,000
• Sullas: Tk 2,300
• Dukhani Maria: Tk 4,000
• Malmi (VIP): Tk 3,400

In 3 kg packs, Ajwa is selling for Tk 2,700, Kalmi for Tk 2,200 and Mabroom for Tk 2,900. In 1 kg packs, Medjool large is selling for Tk 1,550, Medjool medium for Tk 1,400, Medjool small for Tk 1,300 and Mabroom medium for Tk 3,500.

Ismail Hossain Sumon, proprietor of Tawakkul Enterprise in the Sadarghat-Badamtoli fruit market, told Jagonews24 there are about 250 to 300 date shops in the area. Buyers have increased for Ramadan, and it is busy all day.

The firm's manager, Sohel Rana, said sales run from 7am until night. The rush will last until the first day of Ramadan and then ease somewhat, he said, adding that a small commission is also given on date sales and that the fruit association monitors regularly.

Zakir Sheikh, proprietor of Rahmat Paka Fruit Arat and Commission Agent at the Wiseghat Al-Fesani (R) market, said the organisations concerned have issued directions to keep order in the dates trade.

The Dhaka Mahanagar Fruit Importer-Exporter and Aratdar Traders Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd and the Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importers Association have said that selling expired, rotten or foul-smelling dates is completely banned. Goods may not be kept directly on the floor but must be placed on wooden planks or mats, and sacks of dates must be covered with clear PP polythene so that mosquitoes and flies cannot settle on them. Malta or mandarins kept in cold storage past their expiry must not be sold without the association's prior permission, and no food unfit to eat may be sold at the Badamtoli market.

In addition, checking weighing scales before use, displaying price lists and keeping sales memos or receipts with carbon copies have been made mandatory. The Bangladesh Food Safety Authority or BSTI may carry out drives at any time, so all traders have been urged to follow the directions.

Rifat Hossain, a member of the Dhaka Mahanagar Fruit Importer-Exporter and Aratdar Traders Multipurpose Cooperative Society Ltd, said: "Ahead of Ramadan we are taking a firm stand so that adulterated, rotten or low-quality dates are not sold in the market. Traders have been told to maintain quality, ensure correct weights and display price lists. Our main aim is for buyers to get safe products at fair prices."

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.