Rajshahi’s famed date jaggery is gaining popularity beyond traditional markets and reaching global consumers through online platforms.
Just like the district's celebrated mangoes, the delectable jaggery, especially from the upazilas of Puthia, Charghat, and Bagha, is drawing attention.
Rajshahi’s Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) reports there are around 780,000 date trees in the region, producing approximately 8,000 tons of jaggery worth Tk60 crore each winter.
Charghat alone has 396,000 trees, followed by Bagha with 299,000 trees.
Besides, countless date palm trees grow in homeyards, fallow land, and along roadsides, adding seasonal income opportunities for farmers.
Farmers and local entrepreneurs are leveraging the online marketplace to sell jaggery, ensuring fair pricing and wider outreach.
Agricultural entrepreneur Shaheen Sarwar, founder of the Facebook-based page "Palki Food," processes unadulterated jaggery and markets it in attractive packaging nationwide.
He and his team oversee the production and ensure quality control.
Another entrepreneur, Abdur Rahim, runs an online business named “Mandal Soap,” sourcing jaggery from Charghat farmers.
"My friend struggled with low prices in the local market," Rahim said. "Online sales have changed the game. Customers appreciate quality, and the response has been overwhelming."
The shift to online sales has brought competition, helping marginal farmers earn better prices for their products.
Women are actively involved in jaggery production, and many families now sell jaggery directly from home, further boosting income.
Bagha Upazila’s Agriculture Officer Samimul Islam noted that the jaggery industry could become even more profitable with government support.
"This season alone, the region is expected to generate Tk20 crore from date jaggery," he said.
Rajshahi University economics professor Md Elias Hossain added: "The rise of online markets creates healthy competition, ensuring fair prices for farmers."
While the jaggery industry is thriving, issues like the production of low-quality or adulterated jaggery have raised concerns.
Recently, a joint operation by Charghat upazila authorities and BSTI led to fines and the destruction of adulterated jaggery made under unhygienic conditions.
BSTI’s Certification Marks Officer Junaid Ahmed revealed that non-food grade dyes, animal feed, and unrefined sugar were used in some jaggery, resulting in fines for violators.
"We are committed to maintaining the high standards of Rajshahi’s jaggery," Ahmed said.
Despite these challenges, Rajshahi's date jaggery continues to make its mark locally and internationally, promising better incomes for farmers and creating a benchmark for traditional food marketing.