Jhalakathi Sadar upazila’s lime business is on the verge of collapse as profits gradually dwindle over the years.
Lime produced in the area used to be sent to the southern region and even Dhaka.
But discouraged by the low prices compared to high production costs, many have been leaving this profession. Gradually the number of workers engaged in the trade is significantly decreasing.
Traditionally lime goes hand in hand with betel leaves and nuts. It still remains an indispensable part of any celebration in the country, especially in rural areas.
Lime is made by burning the shells of snails or oysters, collected from different rivers in the southern region. Lime makers said that this lime is beneficial for the human body.
However, modern technologies have made the production process far easier than ever. Lime can be made with electrically ran machines without any extreme physical labour.
But while the production costs are running uphill, the market prices of lime remain low. Profits are inadequate for the workers to provide for their families, claims lime workers.
Palbari village of Jhalakathi Sadar upazila is famous for shell lime producers. Some villagers retain the century-old tradition of lime production even though most people have moved away from the tradition.
During a spot visit to the area, this correspondent spoke to the lime makers. According to them, previously lime was made by burning snail and oyster shells for a whole day then grinding and mixing it with water.
It used to take about 10 days to make one tafal (kadai) of edible lime after several stages of processing. Many have cast aside this traditional method of making lime and taken it up using modern machines.
However, snails and clams used as raw materials for making lime are disappearing due to the adverse effects of climate change. In addition, due to the use of pesticides in large quantities for fish and rice production in canals, ponds, rivers and canals, snails and oysters are decreasing.
Lime made from snail shells is appreciated by buyers. However, although the price of raw materials for making lime has increased, the price of lime made from it has not increased. As a result, those involved in the lime industry are leaving the profession of making lime in the face of losses.
About the process of preparation of lime, Tarak Sutradhar said, snail shells are dried in the sun and burnt in clay ovens. After crushing the charred snails and oysters and straining them through a sieve, placing them in a hole in the ground and stirring them with a bamboo ladle for three hours with enough water, pure white natural lime is obtained. They are strained through a net cloth and kept in a large container.
Tarak further added that making lime is their ancestral profession. But in recent times, due to the insufficient quantity of snails and mussels in canals and rivers, they have to be bought overpriced.
“In the past, we would buy the shells for Tk 60 per sack but now we buy ground shells for Tk 1,800 per bag. As a result, the cost of production is increasing. The current market price of lime is Tk 1,200-1,500 per maund. But it is becoming difficult to provide for my family with the profit excluding various expenses including lime production,” he added.
Therefore, many people are changing this profession and moving to other professions to cope with the loss. He expressed concern about how long he can continue lime making adding that he is trying to get his children into different professions.
A lime producer sells lime worth about Tk 1,000-1,500 daily. Excluding the cost of production and workers’ wages, the profit is very low. So they are expecting government assistance with loans on easy terms.
Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) Jhalakathi office’s Deputy Manager Md Safaul Karim said the lime industry once significantly contributed to the district’s economy but is now on the verge of extinction.
“Many workers have moved to other professions and others are struggling to make a profit. Our office will provide assistance if needed to sustain the lime industry,” he added.
Jhalakathi District Commissioner Farah Gul Nijhum said the lime trade of the Palbari area of the district is known all over the country.
“But this delicious comestible trade is getting lost due to various reasons. The government is trying to reinstate this industry with various initiatives,” she said, adding that the district administration will arrange easy-term loans for the lime producers if necessary.
