Jackfruit market a centuries-old tradition

Once small now thriving, quiet and crowded, still and bustling, Kathaler Haat, the “Jackfruit Market” in Brahmanbazar of Moulvibazar's Kulaura upazila is as age-old as the oldest of the trees which bear the national fruit.

Following tradition that has endured longer than any one can recall, Mondays and Thursdays draw them in, buyers and sellers. It's a kind of bi-weekly thriving homage to heritage that fills the humble market with life.

“My father saw this market active since his childhood,” says Brahmanbazar resident Moinul Islam, 69. “I myself have seen it since I was a boy. Now is the season when the market is at its busiest; over the years it has grown because getting here is much easier nowadays.”

On market days thousands of people attend the market where jackfruits sell from between Tk 30 to Tk 80 depending on their size. “I used to be unemployed,” says one youth, Jasim Uddin of Kulaura's Dhamuli village, “Now I earn money here selling my jackfruits.”

“I have two hundred jackfruit trees in my orchard,” says another seller, Motiar Rahman, “and this year the production rate is up, better than last season.”

“This market is suitable for wholesale buyers,” notes jackfruit trader Nazmul Hasan who has reached the spot from his native Brahmanbaria. “There is a minimum purchase size of one hundred jackfruits for which I spend between Tk 3,000 to Tk 6,000.”

For the past five years Nazmul has been a regular visitor. “The rates here are cheap,” he says. “It's very profitable to buy jackfruits here and sell them elsewhere in the country.

And besides, for me this market is a family tradition: my father used to visit this market before me. Many families pursue the jackfruit trade from here.”

On an average market day up to 40,000 jackfruits are sold. “Depending on the strength of the season, robust trade in jackfruits can continue well into July,” says Brahmanbazar local Mohammad Ali, 65, who has also seen the market active since he was young.

“Thousands of people arrive daily,” remarks the shopkeeper of a nearby betel leaf stall,"  said Saber Mia. “All sizes of jackfruit are available to enjoy.” No doubt the busy market helps his betel leaf sales too, just as it brings lively business to Imad Mia's nearby tea stall.

“These are busy days,” Imad Mia says. “Because of the market, in jackfruit season my tea sales triple. I wait all year for these profitable months!”

According to the deputy director of the agriculture extension department in Moulvibazar, Shajahan Chowdhury, bumper jackfruit production across the district due to favourable weather conditions has been encouraging for the industry. “Jackfruit cultivation is  becoming increasing popular,” he says, “and our department is supporting the industry's  growth.”

“Jackfruit is of course delicious,” notes the department's divisional director in  Moulvibazar, Dr. Mamunur Rashid. “Its timber is useful for quality furniture manufacture and jackfruit seeds are used in cooking. It's a profitable plant for farmers, no doubt; and for many people with jackfruit trees in their gardens selling the fruit brings in extra income without any expense.”

Jackfruit orchards are a traditional endeavour for many families in the area, he adds, a tradition often passed down through generations. That being the case, it can be anticipated that Brahmanbazar's iconic Kathaler Haat will remain a celebrated, thriving part of the local landscape for many years to come.