INDIGENOUS PRACTICE OF KHEJUR PALM (<em>PHOENIX</em> <em>SYLVESTRIS</em>) HUSBANDRY IN RURAL BANGLADESH

Abstract

Distribution of khejur palms in the rural landscape of Bangladesh, their age-gradations, tree tenure pattern, borrowing practice of palms for tapping, juice yield according to age and site, marketing pattern and income were investigated by a rapid appraisal method. Data were collected from a village of Chittagong district by categorising farmers into two groups, owner and tapper, and interviewing 50 households, 25 from each group. The study revealed that most of the khejur palms growing in the study area were naturally regenerating and scattered over the landscape, ranging from homesteads to roadside, crop fields and canal banks. Palms of different age-classes were present. Income from sale of fresh juice and the products derived from juice were substantial for both owner and tapper households. Tapper households earned nearly the same as the owner households by borrowing trees for tapping. Marketing pattern, existing systems of tree tenure and the borrowing practice of trees for tapping seemed to be an effective mechanism for the fullest utilisation of khejur trees. Indigenous knowledge and experience of the farmers in managing and tapping the palms are discussed.