Water lilies, a loyal friend to Munshiganj farmers

In many parts of the country this year's heavy rainfall has submerged extensive stretches of farmland and Sirajdhikhan upazila in Munshiganj is no different. But farmers there have found an unlikely ally as they wait for the weather to change and fields to re-emerge. To keep food on the table they have turned to harvesting water lilies.

“At this time of year, one can collect many water lilies from Char Nimtolar Beel in Latobdi union,” says Tajer Islam, 45, referring to a local wetland. He notes that at a time up to 40 'mothas' of water lilies can be picked from dawn to noon, with one motha equivalent to sixty stems. “Wholesalers buy the lilies direct from the harvesters,” he says.

The lilies are then traded at wholesale markets in Rasunia, Imamganj, Nimtola and Taltola in Sirajdikhan, with many ultimately headed for the wholesale market in Dhaka's Jatrabari.

“I buy as many as 2,000 mothas of water lilies daily,” says one trader, Chan Miah Sarker from Daniapara village in the upazila. “Each motha costs around Tk 15 and sells for up to Tk 18 at the wholesale market. In Jatrabari the price is as high as Tk 27 per motha.”

Across Sirajdikhan, in the now-submerged fields that usually nurture Irri and Aman rice varieties or jute, thousands of water lilies are facing the rain with beauty. With a season that usually runs from May until about mid-October, the national flower is serving as a food source and income generator for farmers and others facing hard times.