Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh satkara (shatkora/hatkhora; Citrus macroptera) is a distinctive citrus fruit strongly associated with Bangladesh’s Sylhet region and used mainly for its thick peel in curries, dal, and pickles. Recent reporting indicates production in Sylhet has declined, and a significant share of local demand is met by imports from India’s Assam and Meghalaya, while exports are reported to serve diaspora markets. Bangladesh’s Citrus Research Centre in Jaintiapur (under BARI) has released a named variety (“BARI Shatkora-1”) and continues varietal development work. For any formal export of plants/plant products, Bangladesh Customs indicates a PQW-issued phytosanitary certificate is required alongside standard export documentation.
Market RoleDomestic consumption market with localized production and partial import dependence (notably from India via Sylhet border); niche export to diaspora markets is reported
Domestic RoleRegional specialty fruit in Sylhet cuisine; demand supported by local consumers, tourists, and expatriate visits
SeasonalityMarket participants report a peak season in Sylhet kitchen markets around September–October, with higher prices outside the peak window.
Specification
Primary VarietyCitrus macroptera (shatkora/hatkhora)
Physical Attributes- Round, lemon-like citrus fruit; local reporting describes fruit size at roughly 6–10 cm diameter in Sylhet markets.
- Thick peel/rind is the valued portion for cooking; it is used in curries/dal and pickles, and the rind may also be sun-dried for later use.
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Regional supply centered on Sylhet: household/smallholder trees and/or cross-border imports → local wholesalers/retailers → kitchen markets → household and restaurant use (curries/dal) and pickle-making; rind may be sun-dried for later cooking.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeLand
Risks
Plant Health HighCitrus greening (Huanglongbing/HLB) has been reported/confirmed in Bangladesh citrus-growing areas including Sylhet; because satkara is a citrus fruit, disease pressure and plant-health controls can severely disrupt supply and raise phytosanitary scrutiny for any cross-border or export shipments.Use certified disease-free planting material where available, monitor orchards for symptoms/vectors, and align pre-shipment inspection/treatment plans with PQW requirements and destination-country phytosanitary import conditions.
Supply MediumLocal reporting indicates commercial shatkora production in Sylhet has declined, with demand increasingly met by imports from India; this makes availability and pricing more sensitive to cross-border supply and domestic replanting/extension success.Diversify sourcing (domestic orchards plus multiple import channels), confirm seasonal availability, and contract supply ahead of the reported peak marketing window.
Documentation Gap MediumFor exports of plant/plant products, Bangladesh Customs lists multiple required documents including a PQW-issued phytosanitary certificate; document omissions or mismatches can delay or stop clearance.Run a document pre-check against the Bangladesh Customs checklist and the destination-country phytosanitary/import requirements before shipment.
FAQ
Where is satkara (shatkora/hatkhora) most closely associated within Bangladesh?Satkara is strongly associated with the greater Sylhet region of Bangladesh, where it is commonly used in local cooking and is described as a regional specialty.
When is satkara reported to be in peak season in Sylhet markets?Local reporting describes a peak season in Sylhet kitchen markets around September to October, with higher prices outside that window.
What documents are commonly required to export plant and plant products from Bangladesh (including fresh produce shipments)?Bangladesh Customs lists a PQW-issued phytosanitary certificate among the required documents, alongside items such as the commercial invoice, packing list (including a detailed packing list), certificate of origin, EXP form certified by an authorized dealer, export L/C or bank-approved contract/guarantee, and VAT/BIN certificate.