Floating rice market in Barisal’s Banaripara

Desk Report: Around a hundred farmers sell 2,000 to 5,000 maunds of rice – including of near-extinct varieties – at the market. A 200 year-old floating rice market still operates today in Barisal’s Banaripara upazila—selling varieties that are on the verge of extinction. The floating rice market is situated at the banks of the Shandha River, near the launch terminal. The main market is open every Tuesday and Saturday. It features 50 boats of professional rice farmers and locals who sell their goods. Around a hundred farmers sell 2,000 to 5,000 maunds of rice there. The rice trade goes on till noon. Many people go to the market with empty boats to buy rice and sales takes place on the river. Only the locals from Pirojpur, Banaripara, and Jhalokati use the market. Near the market is the Kutialpara area, where rice is produced from rice crops. The market, known as “Galar Haat,” is open on Wednesday and Sunday.. According to local residents the market has operated since the British era; almost-extinct rice varieties such as Balam, Godail, and Mongla are traded here. Around Tk2,000,000-worth of rice is sold each day. The numbers of boats have however decreased. “Even 20 years ago, there were more than 100 boats that came to trade, but now it is hardly 50 boats,” said Bhubon Mistry, a local man from an ethnic minority. A local farmer, Sekander Ali, 65, said: “Almost 90% of the people were once involved in this business but now the situation is quite different.” Sekander also said: “In the olden days, rice processed by traditional husking machines was in special demand by rice-lovers. However, after the modern rice mill came, everything changed.” “Demand for the floating market has primarily decreased due to this.” Another farmer, Abdul Barek, said: “The market used to see a good amount of trade and used to be known to everyone in the country. Now sales have decreased. Aoush rice is sold at Tk1050 per maund and Goda rice costs Tk1600 a maund.” Other farmers, including Sekander, said their profits in this business are limited; thus, many have shifted to other businesses in search of better livelihoods.