Once cultivated on a small scale for household consumption, pineapple farming has now evolved into a thriving commercial venture in Rangamati, significantly boosting incomes and improving living standards for hundreds of marginal farmers. Locals call it the “golden treasure of the hills.”
Expanding cultivation, growing ambitions
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), pineapple cultivation in Rangamati covered 2,537 hectares of land during the 2024–25 fiscal year. Authorities have set a target to expand cultivation to around 2,550 hectares by 2026, reflecting growing confidence in the crop’s profitability.
Naniarchar upazila — widely regarded as the district’s “pineapple capital” — contributes a substantial share of honey queen production. Favorable hill slopes, fertile soil, and suitable weather conditions have made the area ideal for large-scale cultivation.
Traditionally, the harvesting season runs from April to June. However, farmers are now bringing pineapples to market as early as November and December by adopting modern farming techniques and hormone applications. Early harvesting allows growers to secure higher prices and access wider markets before peak-season supply increases.
Strong market demand
A visit to Banarupa Samataghata, the Old Bus Station Ghat in Rangamati town, and Naniarchar market reveals boats arriving daily, laden with freshly harvested pineapples. Depending on size and quality, each fruit is currently selling for Tk 20 to Tk 30.
Wholesale traders are purchasing directly from orchards and transporting the produce to major markets such as Dhaka, Chittagong, and Noakhali.
“We buy pineapples from farmers at Tk 20–22 each and supply them to various districts,” said wholesale trader Md Zainal. “This year’s yield is excellent, and profit prospects look promising. However, the lack of cold storage facilities remains a major challenge.”
Higher returns, better livelihoods
Farmers say honey queen pineapple cultivation offers substantially higher returns than traditional crops like paddy.
“Compared to rice and other crops, pineapple farming is far more profitable,” said Putul Chakma, a farmer from Naniarchar. “After expenses, we can earn up to Tk 100,000 from one acre during the winter season. Previously, we grew small amounts for family consumption. Now, we cultivate commercially.”
She added that the variety’s large size, sweetness, and vibrant yellow flesh make it highly attractive to consumers.
Another farmer, Parashi Chakma, shifted from traditional jhum cultivation to pineapple farming this year, planting around 35,000 saplings across five hectares. “The harvest has been excellent, and prices are favorable. Our household income has improved significantly,” he said.
The need for storage and processing
Despite its success, the sector faces challenges. The absence of cold storage facilities forces farmers to sell quickly, sometimes at lower prices, leading to potential losses.
Deputy Director of the Rangamati DAE, Md Moniruzzaman, noted that the district’s fallow hill lands are highly suitable for pineapple cultivation. He emphasized that establishing cold storage facilities and processing industries — such as pineapple chips and juice factories — would further enhance farmers’ profits.
For Rangamati’s hill farmers, the honey queen pineapple is more than just a seasonal crop; it represents resilience, opportunity, and a pathway to sustained economic growth.
