Faruk Rahman, Satkhira Correspondent : The two-month-long honey collection season has officially started in the Sundarbans from April 2. Foresters will collect honey and beeswax from the depths of the forest for two consecutive months until May 31. This time, the target for honey collection in the Sundarbans has been set at 2,700 quintals.
This time, the forest department is expecting a bumper harvest as there is a large number of flowers in some parts of the forest due to early rains.
According to the forest department, a total target of 1,800 quintals of honey and 900 quintals of beeswax has been set for the current season from the Sundarbans. This includes 1,100 quintals of honey and 600 quintals of wax from the Western Sundarbans (Khulna and Satkhira ranges) and 700 quintals of honey and 300 quintals of wax from the Eastern Sundarbans (Sharankhola and Chandpai ranges).
Due to early rains this season, various trees including Khalisa, Goran, Pashur and Hargoja in the Western Sundarbans have witnessed a massive flowering. However, since there is less rain in the Eastern Sundarbans and the flowers bloom late, the Mouwals there will start collecting honey after a few days.
Since there is a ban on all types of resource extraction in the Sundarbans for the next three months from June every year, this honey collection activity will end by the end of May.
Mouwal Kabir Sardar of Southkhali village in Sharankhola upazila of Bagerhat district said that he earned about 80,000 taka per person after deducting expenses last season. This time too, he has prepared boats and equipment with the hope of good profits.
The activities of foresters have become a cause for concern among foresters ahead of the start of the season.
Many, including Mongla Chillar Mouwal Ibrahim Hossain, have complained that there is a risk of kidnapping and extortion in the forest as the honey season approaches.
Meanwhile, Mouwals have demanded strengthened security in the Sundarbans and a joint operation to curb forest robbers.
Mohammad Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of the East Sundarbans, said that 14-day passes have been issued for Mouwals. 10 strict instructions have been given to protect the environment and wildlife. Strict punitive action will be taken under the Forest Act if the instructions are not followed.
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