Eco-friendly Nipo Plam (Golpata) is gradually disappearing from the Bangladesh coast

 Nipa Palm (Bengali name is Golpata) is gradually disappearing from coastal areas of Bangladesh, especially from the Sundarbans region. Climate change and lack of proper cultivation and conservation have contributed to the extinction of this plant.

There is a growing fear of Nipo Plam disappearing from the localities of this region. In this situation, environmentalists have urged it to be more careful to protect it.

It is known that Nipa Plam was once found everywhere in the localities of the coastal region, including canals, beels, and river banks. Although the name of the tree is in the local name “Gol (round)”, it looks like a coconut tree leaf.

Its height is about 15 to 20 feet. It thrives in normal saline silt soil. Canal banks and river marshes, including large areas, are suitable places for Nipo Plam cultivation.

Nipo Plam seeds (gabana) grow seedlings when they are buried in the ground. Each gabana contains up to 125–150 seeds. We do not have to invest a large amount of money in Nipo Plam cultivation.

Cultivation is very profitable due to its easy availability and low cost. Cultivation of Nipo Plam does not require chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or any kind of maintenance. In addition, it is possible to earn extra money by producing molasses from Nipo Plam’s sap.

Despite the favorable environment for Nipo Plam cultivation in vast areas of the southern region, this promising plant species is on the verge of extinction due to the lack of necessary cultivation and maintenance.

Nipo Plam is declining in local areas due to climate change, rising salinity, river erosion, and insufficient care.