The pineapple of Madhupur in Tangail has become one of the country's most renowned agricultural products, earning countrywide recognition for its distinctive taste, aroma and quality. Blessed with fertile red soil, favourable weather and suitable topography, the region has expanded pineapple cultivation steadily over the decades. The fruit received Geographical Indication (GI) status on September 24, 2024, strengthening its reputation and creating new opportunities for farmers and traders.
The peak harvesting season falls during the Bengali months of Chaitra and Baishakh, when Madhupur's markets attract wholesalers from across the country. Depending on size and quality, pineapples currently sell for Tk 15 to Tk 50 each, with strong demand driven by their sweetness and unique flavour.
Farmers say their income, however, remains vulnerable to unpredictable weather. Heavy rainfall, storms and other natural disasters often reduce production and push prices down, causing financial losses. They believe cold storage facilities, processing plants and industries producing pineapple juice, jelly and other value-added products would reduce post-harvest losses, stabilise prices and ensure fair returns throughout the year.
Growers have welcomed government commitments to promote pineapple processing and exports. They hope greater access to overseas markets will increase demand, improve farm incomes and enhance the commercial value of Madhupur's signature fruit.
Pineapple cultivation in Madhupur dates back to the late 1960s, when improved Giant Kew varieties were introduced from Meghalaya in India. The crop adapted successfully to the region's red soil, producing high yields and excellent-quality fruit. Encouraged by its performance, more farmers adopted pineapple farming.
Jalchhatra is the region's largest pineapple market, while Moter Bazar and Garo Bazar are also major trading centres. During the harvest season, wholesalers from Dhaka, Mymensingh, Jamalpur, Kishoreganj, Sherpur, Sylhet, Rajshahi, Kushtia, Barisal and other districts purchase large quantities for distribution across the country.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), pineapple was cultivated on 7,773 hectares of land in Tangail during the current season, producing approximately 287,182 metric tonnes. Madhupur alone accounted for 6,943 hectares of land, with production reaching 258,132 metric tonnes. The region mainly grows the Jaldugi and Calendar varieties, while the imported MD-2 variety has also been introduced on a limited scale.
Farmer Sanwar Hossain said he cultivated pineapples on two acres of land without chemical treatments. His produce is selling for Tk 30 to Tk 60 per fruit, making this one of his most profitable seasons. Another grower, Kabil Uddin, who cultivates ten bighas of land, said production costs average Tk 12-13 per fruit, allowing farmers to earn good profits when prices remain favourable.
Agriculture officials estimate yields could reach 35 metric tonnes per hectare this year, with seasonal pineapple sales approaching Tk 500 crore. They said continued technical support, expanded processing facilities and stronger export initiatives would help secure fair prices for growers while reinforcing Madhupur pineapple's reputation as one of Bangladesh's finest agricultural products.
