As the monsoon season draws to a close, the riverine regions of southern Bangladesh, particularly Jhalokathi and Pirojpur, are experiencing a vibrant surge in the trade of hog plums, locally known as 'Amra'. The local markets and wholesale hubs are currently buzzing with activity as farmers, wholesalers, and laborers engage in the peak seasonal harvest.
Early in the morning, farmers transport freshly harvested hog plums from their orchards to the markets via small boats. The canals are filled with these boats, creating a lively atmosphere of negotiation and commerce. Key trading hubs such as Binoykathi and Himandokathi in Jhalokathi, and Atghor, Jindakathi, and Adamkathi in Pirojpur, have become the focal points of this seasonal economic activity.
According to local farmers, the process involves careful sorting and weighing of the fruit. Depending on the size and quality, the price of hog plums currently ranges from 900 to 1,200 BDT per maund. Once the produce is sorted and packed into sacks, it is loaded onto trucks to be transported to major urban centers, including Dhaka and Chattogram, meeting the high demand for this nutritious fruit across the country.
The labor-intensive nature of the trade provides significant employment opportunities for local workers. From unloading the boats to sorting the fruit on the warehouse floors and preparing them for long-distance transport, the entire supply chain is operating at full capacity. This seasonal trade is a vital source of income for many families in the region.
Local traders have noted that favorable weather conditions this year have led to a bountiful harvest, ensuring a steady supply in the markets. As the season progresses, the distribution of these hog plums will continue to support the local economy while ensuring that consumers in major cities have access to fresh, high-quality produce. The bustling activity at these river-based markets serves as a testament to the agricultural vitality of the southern region.
