Crore-taka henna leaf business ahead of Eid

Abul Bashar, a resident of Kolatia Union in Keraniganj Upazila, Dhaka, has cultivated henna on 10 bighas of land. His total investment in this venture was approximately 100,000 taka. However, within just three to four days before Eid, he expects to earn over a hundred thousand taka from selling henna leaves. After deducting expenses such as labor wages, land preparation, and pesticides, he anticipates making a profit of at least 300,000 taka during the month of Ramadan. He stated that he achieved a similar profit last year.

Bashar explained that each bigha requires the planting of 4,000–5,000 henna saplings. With proper care, the plants start yielding after seven to eight years. However, henna leaf production decreases in winter. He noted that henna leaves can be harvested and sold five times a year, with occasional smaller sales throughout the year.

Once, Kolatia Union was widely known for its henna cultivation across the country. However, with time, this tradition is fading due to a reduction in available agricultural land, as farmland is being converted into residential areas.

Bashar shared that he was able to build a permanent house and sustain his family solely through henna cultivation. After covering all expenses, including labor wages, he still earns a comfortable income. At one time, Kolatia Union was popularly known as "Mehendi Union" due to its henna production.

Abul Bashar was interviewed at the wholesale market in Rayer Bazar, Dhaka. This market serves as the largest wholesale hub for henna leaves, where retailers purchase them to sell in local markets and neighborhoods across the capital, often using carts.

Retailer Jasim Malu mentioned that the demand for henna leaves is widespread across Dhaka. In recent times, people have started using ground henna leaves for dyeing their hair and beards. Throughout Ramadan, henna sales remain steady, but demand peaks after the 27th day of fasting.

In Savar, farmer Koli Sheikh from Bhakurta Union’s Shyamlashi Baherchar village shared his experience of commercial henna cultivation. Around 50 farmers in the village have been growing henna on 200 bighas of land for the past 15 years. According to him, many people have transformed their economic conditions through henna farming, collectively earning around 150 million taka annually.

Every day, thousands of bundles of henna leaves arrive at Rayer Bazar, selling for 50–80 taka per bundle. Koli Sheikh noted that the demand for natural henna leaves is increasing as people are reducing their use of tube henna. Additionally, more people are applying henna to their hair, further boosting demand.

He emphasized that the market for henna leaves continues to expand. With government support in terms of promotion and assistance, henna farming could be introduced in other districts of Bangladesh. If production increases, the country could not only meet domestic demand but also export henna leaves, earning valuable foreign currency.