By: THUEL SANGMA
The town of Madhupur, located in Tangail, Bangladesh, holds the prestigious title of being the primary hub for pineapple production in the region. The pineapples grown in this area are widely esteemed for their exquisite fragrance and luscious, sweet taste, making them a sought-after delicacy. Issues such as mismanagement, insufficient planning, and inadequate care practices have marred the reputation of Madhupur’s pineapples, despite being the main source of the country’s pineapple supply, leading to a decline in their overall quality and market appeal.
In the local agricultural sector, pineapple farmers are currently grappling with an excessive supply of pineapples, resulting in a notable decrease in demand and unfavourable pricing, even during the peak season. This situation has prompted a need for creative solutions to ensure that unsold items can be managed more effectively once they have been transported from the garden to the market.
According to comprehensive reports, pineapple farming expenses have risen significantly due to various factors, particularly the surge in fertilizer costs. Despite these challenges, it is essential for farmers to explore innovative approaches to market their produce more effectively and potentially find new avenues for distribution.
During a recent observation at Jalchatra, the primary market in Madhupur, it was evident that only a limited number of wholesalers were present to purchase pineapples.
This underscores the need for farmers to consider alternative marketing strategies and identify new potential markets for their produce.
The prevailing economic downturn and the availability of other summer fruits, particularly mangoes, have largely contributed to the reduction in pineapple sales. As a result, it may be beneficial for farmers to explore the diversification of their offerings or find ways to enhance the unique value of their pineapples in order to attract consumer interest.
The wholesalers pointed out that buyers were cautious about the use of pesticides in pineapple production, signalling a need for more sustainable cultivation methods. Garo Vereno Sangma, a resident of Idilpur village in the Aushnara Union of Madhupur, introduced pineapple cultivation in Madhupur in the 1960s. His initiative to introduce seedlings of the Giant Q type from Meghalaya, India, laid the foundation for pineapple farming in the region.
Over a vast area of around 10,000 hectares, which includes neighbouring upazilas, pineapple cultivation takes place. The local agriculture agency has reported an impressive annual production of approximately 200,000 metric tonnes of pineapples in this region. While the typical pineapple season is in July–August, the availability of Madhupur pineapples throughout the year signifies advancements in cultivation techniques. The prominent pineapple variety in this area is the Giant Q, also known as Calender among local growers.
The Madhupur region excels in cultivating honey queen (locally known as Jaldungi) and Ashwina pineapples, which are similar to the popular Philippine MD-2 pineapple variety. Local farmers have observed that some pesticide dealers use hormones to enhance the size of the fruits and employ pesticides to facilitate gradual ripening for better market value. They express concern, however, that simultaneous ripening due to rainfall poses a risk of spoilage without proper preservation methods.
This year, wholesalers are offering 30-35 taka for the pineapples, down from 50-60 taka last year, citing lower demand.
To address the potential spoilage issue and add value to the abundant pineapples produced in Madhupur, farmers are advocating for establishing a juice or food processing facility in the region.
Reports indicate that pineapple growers may refrain from using chemicals on their crops if they receive a guarantee of sale and a fair price for their produce. Such a measure could potentially pave the way for the international export of Madhupur’s pineapples, opening up new opportunities for the local growers and expanding their market reach.