Home ›› 29 Sep 2021 ›› Nation
What started off as a measure to save lives from deadly lightning strikes, the mass plantation of palm trees in the Barind region of Rajshahi is now making great contribution to the economic development of the area.
Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA), the government development authority under the Ministry of Agriculture responsible for development of Barind Tract, first took the initiative in 1996 to plant palm trees in the region.
Till 2017, about 5 million palm trees were planted at cost of Tk 2 crore, said BMDA sources.
Multiple rows of palm trees are now visible along the roads and canals of the Barind region, government ponds and even in the fallow lands.
Many of these palm trees have also started bearing fruit, apart from bringing in various benefits to the residents of the region.
Rajshahi Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Officer Rahat Hossain said palm trees have been contributing to fight thunderstorms for a long time.
“In our country, many people lost their lives to lightning strikes due to the cutting down of tall trees, such as palm trees,” he added.
Authorities believe that in addition to maintaining balance in the environment, these palm trees are already contributing to a decade-long economy and will have far-reaching implications for the foreseeable future.
“People are getting shade and fuel from these palm trees. Ripe palm cakes are also available in the region,” said farmer Aminul Islam of Tanore upazila.
“Even 20 years ago, both sides of the road were empty. But now the scenario has totally changed,” Aminul added.
Habibur Rahman of Gubirpara Bilkumaripar in the upazila said the road in Bilpar had collapsed many times
before and it seemed nothing could stop it.
“Seven or eight years ago, BMDA planted palm seeds on the side of the road. The road has not collapsed for a single time since then,” he added.
“The palm tree has multiple usages. Fans, flutes, toys, baskets and mats can be made from palm leaves,” said Associate Professor Farid Uddin Khan of economics department at Rajshahi University.
Palm fibres are used to make various items including ropes, brushes, flower tops, market bags and hats.
Relatively strong, sturdy and durable palm wood is unique in making house poles, furniture, various household items, fancy goods and boats.
Fruits are very nutritious and rich in medicinal properties. Long lasting palm wood is unrivalled in building tin or semi-finished houses in the village, Farid Uddin also said.
In order to reduce the loss of life due to lightning, palm trees have been planted in large numbers in the drought prone northern areas following the instructions of the Prime Minister, said BMDA Executive Engineer Rafiqul Islam.
