The renowned buffalo yogurt of Ilishia in Chakaria is gaining popularity every day. Known for its rich flavor and high nutritional value, the delicacy is no longer confined to local markets—it is now in demand across Bangladesh and even reaching international destinations.
Chakaria, in Cox’s Bazar district, is home to more than 200 buffalo farms spread across several unions, including Purba Boro Veola, Paschim Boro Veola, Saharbil, Dhemushia, Chiringa, and Surajpur-Manikpur. Many of these farms are located in coastal areas where shrimp are gathered, while others are privately run. Among them, the yogurt produced in Paschim Boro Veola and Surajpur-Manikpur is particularly prized for its taste and nutrition, drawing high demand both locally and nationally.
With demand rising, prices have also increased. A one-kilogram earthen pot of yogurt now sells for Tk 250, though the price sometimes dips to Tk 220 when milk prices fall. Farmers emphasize that using traditional clay pots and jars preserves both the quality and nutrition of the yogurt, keeping its authentic taste intact.
Just a few years ago, there were no dedicated shops selling buffalo yogurt. Today, the scene has transformed—along the Chiringa-Badarkhali road near Lalbridge, 15 to 20 shops now thrive, catering to eager customers.
Traders say Ilishia’s buffalo yogurt is now being exported beyond Bangladesh, reaching Malaysia, India, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern countries. This growing popularity, they believe, signals a brighter future for the trade.
Local farmers, however, stress the need for government support to sustain this sector. With rising demand at home and abroad, timely initiatives could help protect and expand an industry rooted in tradition, nutrition, and taste.
By Mohammad Morshed
Photo: Collected
