Photo : BSS

Naogaon, July 25, 2026 (BSS) - Pineapple cultivation has begun gaining momentum in Naogaon's Barind region as farmers are using vacant spaces 
between mango trees to grow the sweet fruit as an intercrop, creating new economic opportunities for the area.

The soil and climate of Porsha, Sapahar and Patnitala upazilas of the district are considered highly suitable for pineapple cultivation, as the 
land consists mainly of loamy and sandy-loamy soil. Since pineapple farming requires relatively low investment and provides good returns, it is adding a 
new dimension to the rural economy of the region.

Farmers are cultivating MB-2 and Honey Queen varieties of pineapple in the empty spaces of mango orchards. It takes around 15 to 18 months from planting 
saplings to harvesting fruit. As farmers are now getting two crops from the same land, income generation and land utilization have increased 
significantly.

Due to good yields, pineapples produced in Naogaon are meeting local demand and are also being supplied to different parts of the country. Once planted, 
pineapple plants can continue producing fruit for several years with limited additional costs. The pineapples grown in the region are known for their 
sweetness and delicious taste.

Young agricultural entrepreneur Rayhan Siddiq of Porsha has become the first person in the district to achieve commercial success through pineapple 
cultivation.

Rayhan said he planted 3,000 pineapple saplings collected from the Badalgachhi Horticulture Centre in 2024 during the rainy season. "After 
planting, I did not need to provide any irrigation. I only cleared weeds and applied pesticides a few times. The pineapples have grown with very little 
expense," he said.

He has already sold pineapples worth Taka 10,000 and expects to sell more fruits worth around Taka 100,000. "The biggest advantage is that mangoes and 
pineapples can be cultivated on the same land. The cost is very low, and the fruits are extremely tasty," he added.

Rayhan said he has decided to expand pineapple cultivation on a larger scale. "We usually bring pineapples from Tangail and other districts to meet local 
demand. If pineapple farming expands in this mango-growing region, it will be possible to fulfill the district's demand with locally produced fruits," he 
said.

Visitor and young agricultural entrepreneur Abdus Sobhan, who came from Manda to see the pineapple farm, said he had heard that pineapple cultivation had 
started in Naogaon for the first time and came to see it himself. "Rayhan Bhai offered me pineapple from his farm. It was very sweet. I have decided to 
start pineapple cultivation as well," he said.

Another visitor, Tasnim, said she had never seen pineapple cultivation in Naogaon before. "I came after hearing about it and tasted the fruit. The 
flavor was amazing. I never imagined pineapples from this region could be so sweet," she said.

Fruit trader Yasin Ali said they regularly conduct fruit business throughout the year. "Rayhan Bhai is the first person to cultivate pineapples in this 
district. We came to buy his fruits. The production is good, and the market price is also encouraging," he said.

Worker Motahar Mia, who has been working in Rayhan's mango orchard for a long time, said he now also takes care of the pineapple plants. He believes the 
soil of Naogaon is very suitable for pineapple cultivation.

Porsha Upazila Sub-Assistant Agriculture Officer Samirul Islam said Rayhan's pineapple cultivation in the mango orchard is an excellent example of 
intercrop farming. "He is the first farmer in the district to cultivate pineapples commercially between mango trees. The growth of the plants and 
quality of the fruits are very good," he said.

Samirul added that expanding pineapple cultivation alongside mango orchards could open a new economic opportunity for the region. "The first harvest 
comes after 15 to 18 months. After that, the plants bear fruit every year without the need for replanting. Each plant produces four to five crowns, which can be sold as saplings or planted elsewhere," he said.

He also said the agriculture department is providing overall support to Rayhan to encourage pineapple cultivation in the district.