As the cool winter breeze sweeps across Bengal, a cherished tradition breathes new life—date palm sap, or Khejur Ras, once an inseparable part of rural life, is now making its mark in Cox’s Bazar with a modern twist.
Midway Agro’s expansive date palm orchard, with thousands of trees standing in perfect rows, is a remarkable sight, quite unlike the typical landscapes of Cox’s Bazar or Chattogram. Once considered a rural relic, Midway Agro has transformed into a thriving enterprise.
Before dusk, workers prepare earthen pots to collect the sweet, fresh sap dripping from the date palms at night. Despite the impending arrival of winter, the orchard is already producing approximately 30 liters of sap per day, potentially reaching 600 liters as the season advances.
Moin Saleh, a senior official at Midway Agro, told Cox’s Bazar Life that the orchard will soon open to the public in the early mornings. Visitors will experience the richness of date palm sap in various forms—fresh, lightly boiled, or as premium jaggery—all available at their on-site store.
Beyond Cox’s Bazar, this sap has found its way to markets in North Bengal and even internationally, reaching countries like the USA, Australia, and Finland.
This initiative represents a blend of tradition and innovation—a tribute to Bengal’s heritage intertwined with modern aspirations.
The taste, sweet aroma, and natural essence of the palm sap offer a unique experience reminiscent of sipping warm sap on cold winter mornings, a nostalgic ritual in rural Bengal.
By Rajin Saleh
