Where the mighty Jamuna River recedes, a sea of green emerges. In Tangail, this isn't just a seasonal change of scenery—it's the foundation of a thriving, multi-million Taka economy. For thousands of impoverished families, the humble blades of grass sprouting on the river's sandbars have become their most valuable crop, transforming barren chars into fields of hope and self-reliance.
Markets for various types of grass now operate morning and evening in areas along the Jamuna River in Bhuyapur, Kalihati, and Gopalpur upazilas of Tangail, including Nalin, Kuthi Boyra, Govindasi Old Boat Ghat, Matikata Bazar, Nyangra Bazar, Sirajkandi, Pathailkandi, as well as Beltia and Garilabari Patharghat areas in Kalihati Upazila. Buyers from various areas come to these places to purchase grass. Among the grasses sold as fodder for cattle and goats are Napier, Durba, Garba, Kanthal leaves, and many other varieties. Although these riverside markets were once known for fresh fish, they have now gained fame as 'grass markets'.
In these markets, bundles of grass are sold at varying prices depending on the type and quality. One bundle of Kanthal leaves sells for 50 to 80 Taka, Durba grass for 120-150 Taka per bundle, Garba grass for 80-120 Taka, and Napier grass for 80-130 Taka per bundle, depending on the variety. Buyers are purchasing grass according to their needs after bargaining.
Grass sellers say that in Nyangra Bazar alone, at least 30,000 to 50,000 Taka worth of grass is traded daily. Furthermore, grass markets are set up in other locations as well. Combined, approximately 40 to 50 lakh Taka worth of grass is sold per month. Thousands of people are involved in this trade.
The Tangail District Livestock Officer said, "After the floods, grass grows naturally in abundance in the Jamuna char areas. The impoverished people of the chars meet the needs of their own livestock and then sell the surplus in local markets to run their households and earn a livelihood. In this way, they are becoming self-reliant in both respects." He added that they are working for the further development of the char people.
Dr. Md. Helal Uddin Khan, District Livestock Officer, Tangail said, Without any initial investment, thousands of poor people in the char areas are becoming self-reliant by selling grass and are also choosing this profession as a self-sufficient means of livelihood.
Locals believe that if proper training and support are provided from the District and Upazila Livestock Department and relevant authorities for natural grass production, these impoverished people in the chars will become even more self-reliant.
