The Madhupur Garh region of Tangail is renowned as the "Pineapple Capital" of Bangladesh, producing some of the country's juiciest and most flavorful pineapples.
The pineapples grown in this region's red soil are famous nationwide, earning Geographical Indication (GI) status recently, much to the delight of local farmers.
The origins
In 1942, Mizi Sangma, a woman entrepreneur from the Garo community in Idilpur village, brought 750 "Calendar" variety pineapple saplings from Gachhuapara, Meghalaya, India.
After planting them in her garden and seeing an exceptional yield, she expanded cultivation.
Over time, locals followed her lead, and pineapple farming spread across the region.
Today, the "Calendar," "Jaldhugi," and recently introduced "MD-2" varieties are grown in the area.
Speciality
The pineapples from Madhupur are renowned for their juiciness and rich flavor due to the region's unique red soil and natural farming methods.
Pineapples take around 18 months to grow, and farmers use both organic and chemical fertilizers.
While pineapples were once available only from July to August, they can now be found year-round.
Madhupur's main pineapple market in Jolchhatra operates daily, with farmers bringing produce on vans, rickshaws, and trucks.
Prices range from TK20-60 per pineapple, with daily transactions exceeding Tk1 crore. Pineapples from Madhupur are distributed across the country, from Dhaka to Chittagong.
Farmers’ challenges
Despite the region's fame, Madhupur's pineapple farmers face significant challenges.
Market slumps during peak season and rising production costs have led to financial losses.
Farmers are also frustrated with natural farming methods, as pineapples don't grow as large or colorful without chemical fertilizers.
The overuse of chemicals has raised concerns about the fruit's quality and flavor, especially as the region eyes export opportunities.
GI recognition after 82 years
On September 24, Madhupur's pineapples officially received GI status, giving the region a stronger foothold in international markets.
This achievement, 82 years after the first pineapples were planted, has become a source of pride for Madhupur.
However, the lack of proper storage facilities remains a major hurdle, as pineapples spoil quickly after harvest.
Farmers seek govt support
Many farmers are using excessive chemicals to meet market demand for larger, brighter pineapples, though this threatens the fruit's traditional quality.
Excessive use of chemicals to ripen pineapples before the season may cause issues for farmers when exporting their products.
These chemically treated pineapples cannot be exported, and even if they are, there is a risk of spoilage. Questions about the quality could also arise.
Mofiz Uddin, a former member of Chunia village in Beribaid union, explained why the chemicals are used extensively.
He said: "I planted pineapples on two acres of land this year and incurred a loss of Tk50,000. Without using excessive chemicals, the fruits don't grow large, and the color doesn't develop properly. The market has little demand for naturally grown pineapples. Consumers can't tell the difference between natural and chemically grown ones. That's why many farmers are using excessive chemicals to maintain the size and color of the fruit. Large, brightly colored pineapples are in high demand, and people are consuming them without knowing the health risks. We can't stop it."
Despite the challenges, Mofiz Uddin expressed happiness over the GI recognition, saying: "It is a matter of pride for us. If we can export, farmers will profit. However, storage facilities would be beneficial."
Mizi Sangma's family preserving tradition
Mizi Sangma, the pioneer of pineapple cultivation in Madhupur, passed away in April 1971 at the age of 168. Her husband, Bhrajanath Marak, is also deceased.
They had two sons and three daughters, but none of them are alive today. However, their descendants have continued the tradition of pineapple farming.
Mizi Sangma's grandson, Arbindra Sangma, said: "As far as I know, my grandmother brought pineapple saplings from Gachhuapara, Meghalaya, India, in 1942 using a bullock cart. She planted them in her yard, and due to the good yield, expanded the cultivation. People from the area started growing pineapples by taking saplings from her. Over time, the cultivation spread throughout Madhupur and across the country. However, the soil in Madhupur is particularly famous for pineapple farming."
Expressing his excitement over the GI recognition, he said: "My grandmother was the first to introduce pineapple cultivation in Madhupur, and now it has received GI recognition. This is a matter of pride, not just for our family, but for the entire district. Now there's an opportunity for exports. Pineapples spoil quickly, and so far, the Bangladesh government has not taken any steps for proper storage. As a result, farmers cannot store the fruit for long periods. If the government were to provide storage facilities, farmers would greatly benefit."
Another of Mizi Sangma's grandsons, Animesh Sangma, said: "My grandmother brought the 'Calendar' variety pineapple saplings from India and initially grew them naturally. Later, commercial cultivation began, and it gradually spread throughout the entire upazila (sub-district). We have continued our grandmother's profession to this day."
Pineapple cultivation in Madhupur
According to local agriculture officers, pineapple cultivation in Madhupur covers 6,630 hectares, with 7,600 hectares across Tangail district producing 275,000 metric tons annually.
The "Calendar," "Jaldhugi," and "MD-2" varieties are the most popular.
The government is now focusing on safe production methods, reducing chemical use, and exploring ways to create value-added pineapple products like jams, jellies, and juices for both domestic and international markets.
Md. Kabir Hossain, Deputy Director of the District Agriculture Extension Department, said: "This season, pineapples were cultivated on 7,600 hectares in the district, and nearly 275,000 metric tons will be produced. To ensure fair prices, alongside growing better varieties, we are advising entrepreneurs to produce jam, jelly, juice, and pickles. With the GI recognition, there is now an opportunity for exports."