Pomelo production has reached a new high in Rangamati, with the fruit thriving in the district’s hilly terrain and reddish soil. The fruit is meeting local demand while being shipped to markets in different parts of the country.
According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), pomelo has been cultivated on 1,177 hectares of land in Rangamati this season, producing around 13,000 metric tonnes worth nearly Tk 125 crore.
Cultivation is particularly widespread in Naniarchar, Rajasthali, Juraichhari, Kaptai, Langadu and Rangamati Sadar upazilas. Pomelo trees grown on hill slopes, around homesteads and in fruit orchards have produced a good harvest this year.
Farmers said the region’s soil and climate are highly suitable for pomelo cultivation. The fruit requires relatively little care and limited use of fertilizer and pesticides. A mature tree can produce 150 to 300 fruits, with each weighing between 1kg and 3kg depending on size.
Pomelos generally ripen from November to December. People from different communities in the hill region have cultivated the fruit around their homes and on hilly land for generations.
During the harvest season, supplies increase significantly at markets in Rangamati town, including Banarupa, Samata Ghat and College Gate. Hill communities bring pomelos from remote areas and sell them in baskets and trays. Depending on size and quality, each fruit sells for Tk40 to Tk120.
Sajla Chakma, a woman vendor at the Banarupa-Samata Ghat area, said they collect pomelos from trees around their homes and sell them in town. “Pomelo sales provide additional income for our families during the season. But bringing the fruit from the hills to the market and paying transportation costs are major challenges,” she said.
Gopal Chakma, another vendor at College Gate, said commercial cultivation could expand significantly with government support. “Improved saplings, training and marketing assistance would encourage farmers to expand pomelo cultivation,” he said.
Wholesalers from Chittagong, Dhaka, Comilla and other parts of the country also visit Rangamati to collect pomelos. Rahim Sheikh, a wholesale trader at Banarupa Market, said the fruit has strong demand because of its large size and distinctive taste.
Another trader, Md Jasim Uddin, said prices often fall when large quantities reach markets simultaneously. He called for cold storage and modern preservation facilities to benefit farmers and traders.
Pomelo also has potential for processing into juice, jam, pickles, candy and other food products. Some women entrepreneurs are already making pomelo-based products for online sales.
However, poor transport links in remote areas, inadequate storage and the absence of cold-chain facilities remain major challenges. Lack of proper packaging and marketing systems can also prevent farmers from receiving fair prices.
Md Moniruzzaman, deputy director of the DAE in Rangamati, said pomelo was emerging as a promising source of income for the hill economy. “With proper planning, processing facilities and modern marketing systems, pomelo cultivation can be expanded commercially and create new economic opportunities for many hill families,” he said.
