Demand for tender palm fruit kernels (tal shans) has risen in Chuadanga's intense heat. The use of toxic formalin on mangoes, litchis and other seasonal fruit has become very common, but palm kernels need none of it. That is why the unadulterated palm kernel is so popular.

On the ground, palm kernels were found on sale at important points in Chuadanga district town, including Court More and Rail Bazar, as well as in the upazila towns and village markets of the district. A palm fruit with four kernels sells for Tk 20-30.

Munna, a palm trader at Court More who lives in the municipal College Para, told Jagonews that palm kernels were selling in large quantities because of the heat.

Abdus Salam, a trader from Hatkalugonj in Chuadanga Sadar upazila, said: "I am buying palm fruit at a higher price than last time, so I have to sell the kernels at a higher price too. I can cut palm fruit well, so my sales are higher."

Shiuli Begum of Shantipara in Chuadanga town, who came to buy palm kernels with her child in her arms, said: "I like palm kernels a lot. The price is higher than last time, but whatever the price, this fruit is available only once a year. So I have come to buy some."

Trader Ali Kadar sells palm kernels at Court More in Chuadanga town. He goes from village to village to collect palm fruit from tree owners, then sells it in Chuadanga town and at various village markets.

Kadar Ali said: "I sell palm kernels at this time every year. Sales are good in the heat and the price is good. I sell Tk 1,500 to Tk 2,500 worth of kernels a day, with a profit of about Tk 1,000."

Chuadanga's acting civil surgeon Dr Awliar Rahman told Jagonews that in hot weather the tender kernel and the sweet water inside it quench thirst and bring a comfortable feeling to the body. Per 100 grams, palm fruit contains 0.8 grams of minerals, 20.7 grams of carbohydrate, 0.8 grams of protein and 0.5 grams of fibre. With 77.5 per cent water content, it makes up for the body's lack of water in the heat. Its 0.5 grams of dietary fibre aids digestion. Palm kernels contain a surprising amount of food energy, about 87 kilocalories, and with 8 milligrams of calcium they also play a great role in building bones.

Bivas Chandra Saha, deputy director of the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Chuadanga, said palm saplings have been planted along both sides of rural roads and on canal banks in the district under government and private initiatives. Palm trees have many benefits, one of which is that they protect against lightning. "Our efforts to encourage farmers in the field to plant palm trees are continuing," he said.

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