Pineapples in plenty but growers fear price slump

But farmers and traders apprehend substantial quantities will perish due to lack of preservation and marketing facilities.

There is no cold storage for preservation of pineapple and transportation facilities are too inadequate and costly.

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Wholesale markets in Moulvibazar and Sylhet, the main pineapple producing areas, have been flooded with pineapple, which has drawn a large number of traders from across the country.

Growers said the prices and demand are reasonable. Depending on quality, the fruit is being sold at between Tk 500 and 1,125 per 100 at wholesale markets in Sreemongal. But the price may come down when the peak season will come, they said.

According to sources, in Moulvibazar district alone, over 22 crore pineapples have been produced on 20,000 acres of land in Sreemongal and Kamalgonj upazilas. Another three crore have been produced on 2,000 acres of land under Sadar, Rajnagar Kulaura and Beralekha upazilas.

'Bilati' or 'honey-queen' pineapples are popular for their taste. 'Kalenya' pineapples are of big, weighing 3 to 4 kg each.

At least 40,000 people are involved in pineapple cultivation and trade, the sources said.

Growers cultivate the fruit without any help from government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).