Photo: BSS

By Baban Farazi

NATORE, June 9, 2026 (BSS) - Palm fruit pulp, chemical-free seasonal fruit, is now widely sold across both urban and rural areas, turning Natore into a hub of palm fruit pulp trade during the peak summer season.

According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the district has approximately 40,000 palm trees. Of them, around 20,000 are fruit-bearing. With each tree producing an average of 300 immature palm fruits, the district is expected to yield about 6 million fruits this season.

Each palm fruit contains three edible jelly-like kernels, commonly known as "eyes", resulting in an estimated production of 18 million kernels. At an average market price of Taka 4 per kernel, the seasonal trade is generating an economy worth at least Taka 70 million.

Ariful Islam, who has been engaged in the seasonal palm fruit business for more than a decade, said he purchased 17 palm trees this season at prices ranging from Taka 600 to Taka 800 per tree. He harvests the fruits himself and sells the pulp from a van near Faruk Store in the city's Nichabazar area.

"I am selling each kernel for Taka 5, meaning a single palm fruit is worth Taka 15," he said.

Prices are comparatively lower in suburban and rural areas. Tobarak Hossain, a vendor near Maharaja School Field, said he sells each fruit for Taka 10. Hafizur Rahman, a trader from Baro Sail village under Singra upazila, also confirmed selling each fruit at the same rate.

Regular consumer Ahmedul Kabir said palm fruit pulp is completely natural and safe as it is free from chemical contamination.

Public health expert Dr Saiful Islam told BSS that scientific studies have identified palm fruit pulp as a rich source of carbohydrates, dietary fibre, fats, amino acids and proteins.

He said the fruit possesses scientifically recognised anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antibiotic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties. According to him, palm fruit pulp contains 23 anti-diabetic phytochemicals that help regulate blood sugar levels.

"It benefits the kidneys and urinary tract, supports heart health, may help prevent cancer, improves skin health, reduces inflammation and can provide relief during fever," he said.

Deputy Director of DAE Natore Md Habibul Islam Khan described palm fruit pulp as a nutritious, chemical-free and highly beneficial seasonal fruit.