Subir Kumar Sarkar, from Ghior, Manikganj

The native variety of ber (Indian plum) is an immensely popular fruit in Bangladesh. It typically grows naturally around homes, along roadsides, or near ponds, thriving without requiring special care. Ber offers distinct flavors in its raw, semi-ripe, and ripe stages, making it a favorite among people of all ages, from children to adults, especially women.

Taste and Nutritional Value
Ber is not only unique in taste but also rich in nutritional benefits. It contains a significant amount of Vitamin C, which boosts immunity. Sour ber, in particular, has numerous medicinal properties. For instance, applying crushed ber leaves on boils helps them rupture quickly.

A Source of Income for Farmers
Local farmers are financially benefiting from indigenous ber. Nobirun Begum (60) shares, “I planted a ber tree in my yard 12-13 years ago. We make pickles with ber, eat it raw, and sell the ripe fruit. Ripe ber sells for 50 taka per kg, while dried ber sells for 100 taka per kg.”

Jaynagar village resident Bashana Biswas (50) says, “We need sour ber for making pickles. We store it for a year and consume it with khichuri or lentils. Children also love it.”

Naturally Grown, Safe Fruit
No chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used in growing indigenous ber, making it a safe food choice. Additionally, ber trees serve as habitats for birds. Species like mynas, sparrows, and doves feed on the fruit and build nests in these trees.

Elderly farmer Prafulla Mondal states, “A single ber tree can yield 6-8 thousand taka worth of fruit in a season, without requiring any extra care.”

Preservation and Marketing
Village women dry ber and sell it in the market for income. Dried ber sells for 100 taka per kg, providing farmers with a good earning opportunity.

BARCIK’s Initiative
BARCIK (Bangladesh Resource Center for Indigenous Knowledge) is working to preserve local fruits and medicinal plants. Through training, they are helping farmers enhance their skills in preserving and marketing indigenous ber.

Indigenous ber is a traditional and health-beneficial fruit for us. Its proper use and preservation can play a significant role in strengthening the rural economy.