Jackfruit growers in Khagrachhari are unhappy as they have been counting losses due to rampant extortion by some influential quarters.
The growers said they were selling jackfruits at expected prices, but are not getting expected profits in turn due to the extortion.
According to the District Agricultural Extension office, there are jackfruit gardens on 8,383 acres of land in the district, and production of the seasonal fruit has always been satisfactory.
Muhammad Mostapa Mia, a jackfruit grower from Fatema Nagor under Panchhari upazila, said he had brought 1,500 jackfruits in Matiranga Bazar.
“I gave Tk9,000 as extortion to members of the United Peoples Democratic Front (UPDF), Parbattya Chattagram Jana Sanghity Samity (PCJSS) and PCJSS (MN Larma group). Now police are demanding Tk5,000 as toll,” he added.
He presumes he would count a huge loss after adding in transport and labour costs.
Replying to another query, he said: “Police never assist us during transportation of the seasonal fruits; rather they create difficulties for us.”
Elton Chakma, another farmer from Babuchhara, Dighinala upazila in Khagrachhari, said he had given Tk2,000 as ransom to regional forums to bring the jackfruits to Dighinala Bazar. But he did not say specifically to whom he gave the money.
Farmer Ismail Hossain from Sonaipul village under Ramgorh upazila in the district said he had an orchard on 50 acres of land and he got bumper production of jackfruits this year.
“The price of jackfruits is satisfactory, but our profits go to the pockets of both criminals and the law enforcement agency,” he added.
Abul Khair, a buyer from Laksam of Comilla, alleged that he had counted Tk47,000 in losses last week due to the unbearable heat and ongoing toll collection at different toll points.
Jugal Pado Dey, agriculture extension officer, said the weather was suitable for jackfruit cultivation this year.
Despite the barriers, including extortion, farmers will make profits, as more than 80% of the total jackfruits are exported to outer districts of the country as is done every year, he said.
Additional Superintendent of Police Enayet Hossain Mannan denied police involvement in extortion.
He said stern action would be taken against his subordinates if anyone makes specific allegation against any police officer.
