Pineapple is the economic backbone of Naogaon and Rangamatia unions in Phulbaria upazila, Mymensingh, which borders the famous pineapple belt of Madhupur. This season, farmers across 750 hectares are expecting a bumper harvest projected at Tk 125.64 crore (about $10.5 million), according to the upazila agriculture office.
The Joldugi variety is gaining popularity because it matures in one year — compared to 18 months for Calendar and Honeequeen varieties — requires less land and lower production costs, and fetches strong market demand due to its distinct flavor and fragrance.
Of the 750 hectares under cultivation, 315 are Joldugi (up 65 hectares from last year), 425 are Calendar and 10 are Honeequeen. The Joldugi crop alone is expected to yield 25.2 million fruits worth about Tk 63 crore at Tk 25 each. Calendar production of 15.3 million fruits at Tk 40 each will generate about Tk 61.2 crore, with the remaining varieties contributing Tk 1.44 crore.
Farmer Solman Sarkar of Santoshpur village planted 60,000 seedlings on 3 acres and has already sold Tk 11 lakh (about $9,200) worth of fruit at approximately Tk 15 to 16 per piece.
Upazila agriculture officer Nur Mohammad said he is optimistic that farmers will earn over Tk 125 crore from this season’s harvest.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report