With the beginning of the monsoon, the demand for chai-buchna (a type of fish trap) has increased in Jhalakathi.
According to local sources, in the monsoon, the rainwater makes canals, wetlands, rivers, and streams overflow with water and native fish are seen roaming freely.
In the new waters of Boishakh (The first month of the Bengali calendar), fish typically reproduce. To catch fish, villagers of all professions set up fish traps known as chai-buchna in the canals and open water bodies. Consequently, to meet household needs and earn seasonal income, artisans in Jhalakathi are spending busy time making chai-buchna.
Many have become self-reliant by making these fish traps. Chai-buchna is primarily used for fishing in canals and wetlands. During the monsoon, the prime time for local fish, the trade of chai-buchna flourishes at this time.
From ancient times, chai-buchna has been very popular for fishing in canals and wetlands in Jhalakathi and other villages. However, there are complaints that this promising cottage industry has not received any government or non-governmental support. Despite all these years, it has not been registered with BSCIC (Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation).
However, officials from Jhalakathi BSCIC said that if the chai-buchna artisans come to BSCIC, they will be provided with the necessary assistance to register.
According to the artisans, these chai-buchna traps, made of bamboo in various shapes and forms, have different names. Some are called chai, some buchna, some gora or chargora, and others khuchin. With chai-buchna, it is possible to catch shrimp, shing, eel, and various other types of fish.
The villages of Baraikaran and Sarai in Kulkathi Union of Nalchity Upazila in the district are famous for betel leaf. In addition to the local betel leaf farmers, people from other professions and labourers are putting their continuous efforts to win the battle of life. As a seasonal occupation, the locals are busy weaving chai-buchna and nets. Not only the heads of households but also wives, children, brothers, mothers, and fathers assist in the weaving work. With their help, the weaving work has progressed significantly.
Delwar Hossain, an artisan from Sarai village, said that in the month of Magh (Bengali month), each bamboo has to be bought for Tk 120 to 150. After that, the bamboo is cut to size, soaked in water, and prepared for making slats.
He said, “For three days a week, I make shala (slats) from bamboo. For the remaining four days, I drive a rickshaw to make a living. Each buchna requires 220 to 250 shala. Three buchna can be made from one good bamboo.”
He added, "I started this work from Magh, and it will continue until the month of Ashshin. My wife, children, parents, and brothers are helping me with the work. Due to lack of capital, I take loans from the bank every year to do this work."
Delwar further said, "Each buchna sells for Tk 350 to 500. Every Monday and Thursday, I sell 60 buchna at the Jhalakathi stadium intersection. Others buy wholesale from me."
He said that after covering household expenses, parents' medical costs, children's education expenses, and repaying the loan, the annual income and expenditure balance out. He hopes to live a better life if he receives government assistance with easy terms and interest-free loans.
Akhtaruzzaman Bacchu, chairman of Kulkathi Union Parishad in Nalchity, said that Delwar's activities fall under the cottage industry. Chairman hoped that with financial help Delwar could be financially solvent.
Md Al Amin, assistant monitoring and quality control officer of BSCIC in Jhalakathi, said that necessary steps will be taken to register the industry. Besides, government loan assistance or incentives will be given to chai-buchna makers.
