Pinky Akhter, Rangamati

Pineapples are available in the local market of Rangamati throughout the year. Pineapples are cultivated throughout the year in the vast hilly land of Rangamati using planting time variation and hormones. Two varieties of pineapples, Jaldubi and Honey Queen, are cultivated in Rangamati district. In addition, MD-2 variety pineapples are also being cultivated.

Although the peak season for pineapples is from May to August, for the past few years, many farmers in the district have been cultivating pineapples in advance of the season.

Farmers said that although it is not the pineapple season now, early pineapples have been cultivated in the hills for several years. They can make extra profit from the early pineapples produced in this way. Although early pineapples are widely produced in the hilly areas through the application of hormones, farmers say that the demand in the market is low.

According to the Agriculture Department, a target of 2,550 hectares of land has been set for pineapple cultivation in Rangamati this year. Of this, 2,245 hectares have been set for early pineapple cultivation.

Among the 10 upazilas of Rangamati, 1,400 hectares are in Naniarchar and 380 hectares in Sadar Upazila, Longadu 145 hectares, Baghaichhari 125, Pineapple has been cultivated on 80 hectares of land in Bilaichhari, 90 hectares in Rajasthali, 85 hectares in Kaptai, 80 hectares in Jurachhari, 90 hectares in Barkal, and 75 hectares in Kaukhali.

Rangamati Agricultural Extension Department Deputy Director Md. Moniruzzaman said, "The largest number of pineapples are cultivated in Naniachar, Rangamati. About 60/70 percent of the total pineapple plantation in the district is cultivated in Naniachar. 85 percent of Rangamati's pineapples are of the Honeyquin variety. In addition, MD-2 variety pineapples imported from Malaysia are being cultivated in the last three years."

He said, pineapple is now available throughout the year in Rangamati district. Farmers vary the planting time in the context of the year-round demand for pineapple and use hormones, due to which pineapple is now available throughout the year. Farmers are provided with various suggestions through regular training and yard meetings.

Farmers from various upazilas of Rangamati district are bringing pineapples produced in engine boats to Samataghat, Tabalchhari, Municipal Truck Terminal and Reserve Market in Rangamati city. From there, local and foreign wholesalers are buying pineapples at wholesale prices.

A visit to Banarupa Market on Sunday morning showed that small and medium-sized pineapples are being sold at a price of 30 to 40 taka per pair in the local retail market. Large pineapples are being sold at 100 taka per pair.

Pineapple farmer Moni Chakma of Kutukchhari, Rangamati said, "I cultivate pineapples every year. This time I have cultivated the Jaldubi variety of pineapples on 20 hectares of land. The pineapples are quite large. I have got good yields in pineapple cultivation. I have sold the pineapples wholesale at 30 taka."