Narsingdi’s Ghodasala Pineapples gain nationwide fame for sweet taste
Abdul Awal, Narsingdi
This year, Narsingdi has witnessed a bumper pineapple harvest, bringing smiles to farmers due to favorable market prices. Pineapple cultivation is prominent in Narsingdi Sadar, Raipura, Belabo, Monohardi, Shibpur, and Palash upazilas.
The pineapples from Rabon in Ghodasala, Palash Upazila, have gained nationwide acclaim for their exceptional taste and quality.
A local proverb, “Rabon’s pineapples are juicy and sweet,” reflects their reputation. Ghodasala is widely recognized as one of Bangladesh’s most renowned pineapple production hubs, with most of the Ghodasala municipal area and about three-fourths of Jinardi Union’s land being ideal for pineapple cultivation due to favorable weather conditions.
Pineapples are the primary cash crop for farmers in this region, serving as a major source of livelihood. As a juicy, delicious, and sweet fruit, pineapples dominate the local economy. About 150 years ago, local pineapple varieties were cultivated in Ghodasala, but these were less sweet and flavorful. Over time, continuous cultivation led to a decline in their quality and structure, resulting in their extinction.
Parimal Chandra Saha from Rabon in Jinardi Union introduced pineapple saplings from Sylhet to Ghodasala, leading to their widespread cultivation. The local variety previously grown in Ghodasala became extinct, and the Sylhet variety, which struggled to adapt to Sylhet’s climate and lacked sweetness there, thrived in Ghodasala’s favorable soil and weather. Over the past 40 years, this variety, known as “Jaldubi” pineapple (scientifically Honey Queen), has achieved significant success and widespread adoption in Ghodasala due to its enhanced flavor and structure.
According to a reliable source from the Department of Agricultural Extension, approximately 18,000 pineapple saplings are planted per acre. In Ghodasala, 165 hectares of land are dedicated to pineapple cultivation across areas like Rabon, Kuraithali, Baribari, Kataber, Barab, Dhaladia, Gobariyapara, Lebupara, Sattika, and Charnagardi. Farmers like Rakhal Chandra Das (6 bighas) and Bimal Sen (8 bighas), who have been cultivating pineapples for 32 years, report that the cost of cultivating one bigha is about 15,000 BDT, with potential sales of 65,000–70,000 BDT per bigha during a good harvest, yielding substantial profits.
Pineapple farming has made many farmers prosperous, significantly contributing to the national economy. A good harvest in Ghodasala generates approximately 12 crore BDT annually. However, as pineapples are perishable, farmers emphasize the need for proper storage facilities, noting that no cold storage has been established in Ghodasala yet. They have urged authorities to set up a cold storage facility to preserve their produce.
Farmers continue to rely on traditional methods, expressing that modern scientific techniques could further increase yields and benefit the economy. Palash Upazila Agriculture Officer Ayesha Akter reported that 165 hectares were cultivated this year. Unlike last year, when drought resulted in smaller pineapples, favorable weather this year has produced larger fruits. She estimates a yield of 20 metric tons per hectare, with pineapples weighing 800 grams to 1.5 kilograms each, promising higher profits for farmers. The target for Palash Upazila is 1,695 metric tons of pineapple production this year.
Ghodasala’s pineapples are renowned nationwide for their sweetness, driving high demand. The agriculture officer noted that their reputation as “Ghodasala pineapples” and the potential for high yields in a short time are attracting more farmers to this crop.
Pineapples are the primary cash crop for farmers in this region, serving as a major source of livelihood. As a juicy, delicious, and sweet fruit, pineapples dominate the local economy. About 150 years ago, local pineapple varieties were cultivated in Ghodasala, but these were less sweet and flavorful. Over time, continuous cultivation led to a decline in their quality and structure, resulting in their extinction.
Parimal Chandra Saha from Rabon in Jinardi Union introduced pineapple saplings from Sylhet to Ghodasala, leading to their widespread cultivation. The local variety previously grown in Ghodasala became extinct, and the Sylhet variety, which struggled to adapt to Sylhet’s climate and lacked sweetness there, thrived in Ghodasala’s favorable soil and weather. Over the past 40 years, this variety, known as “Jaldubi” pineapple (scientifically Honey Queen), has achieved significant success and widespread adoption in Ghodasala due to its enhanced flavor and structure.
According to a reliable source from the Department of Agricultural Extension, approximately 18,000 pineapple saplings are planted per acre. In Ghodasala, 165 hectares of land are dedicated to pineapple cultivation across areas like Rabon, Kuraithali, Baribari, Kataber, Barab, Dhaladia, Gobariyapara, Lebupara, Sattika, and Charnagardi. Farmers like Rakhal Chandra Das (6 bighas) and Bimal Sen (8 bighas), who have been cultivating pineapples for 32 years, report that the cost of cultivating one bigha is about 15,000 BDT, with potential sales of 65,000–70,000 BDT per bigha during a good harvest, yielding substantial profits.
Pineapple farming has made many farmers prosperous, significantly contributing to the national economy. A good harvest in Ghodasala generates approximately 12 crore BDT annually. However, as pineapples are perishable, farmers emphasize the need for proper storage facilities, noting that no cold storage has been established in Ghodasala yet. They have urged authorities to set up a cold storage facility to preserve their produce.
Farmers continue to rely on traditional methods, expressing that modern scientific techniques could further increase yields and benefit the economy. Palash Upazila Agriculture Officer Ayesha Akter reported that 165 hectares were cultivated this year. Unlike last year, when drought resulted in smaller pineapples, favorable weather this year has produced larger fruits. She estimates a yield of 20 metric tons per hectare, with pineapples weighing 800 grams to 1.5 kilograms each, promising higher profits for farmers. The target for Palash Upazila is 1,695 metric tons of pineapple production this year.
Ghodasala’s pineapples are renowned nationwide for their sweetness, driving high demand. The agriculture officer noted that their reputation as “Ghodasala pineapples” and the potential for high yields in a short time are attracting more farmers to this crop.
Starting next year, the upazila administration plans to provide advanced training to enhance cultivation practices.
