Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon. File photo

GAZIPUR, June 19, 2026 (BSS) – Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon today inaugurated the “Fruit Fair 2026” and the Agricultural Incentive Programme at Gazipur Sadar Upazila through a video conference.

Organized jointly by the Gazipur district administration and the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), the fair featured 34 varieties of indigenous fruits. 

A key attraction is a giant 35-kilogram jackfruit, the national fruit. Such a giant jackfruit is specially grown in Gazipur.

During the event, Gazipur Deputy Commissioner Md. Nurul Karim Bhuiyan said efforts are underway to export jackfruit and jackfruit-based products. 

He noted that the district’s jackfruit market is currently worth around Tk 500 crore and could expand to Tk 2,000 crore through proper processing and marketing.

Impressed by Gazipur’s bumper jackfruit production, the minister pledged nationwide publicity to promote the fruit and its diverse uses.

According to official data, jackfruit has been cultivated on 9,125 hectares of land in the district this year, yielding 240,000 metric tonnes.

Under the Agricultural Incentive Programme, 60 marginal farmers received free improved fruit saplings, bamboo poles and vermicompost to encourage environmentally friendly fruit cultivation.