Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Aug 28, 2026 (BSS) - Local seasonal fruits are making a strong comeback in Chattogram markets, with pineapple, latkon, palm, amalaki, guava and other indigenous varieties arriving in larger quantities this season.

From wholesale markets and fruit shops to roadside stalls and vans, a wide variety of local fruits are now available across the city.

Traders said the increased supply is largely due to the expansion of mixed-fruit cultivation in the hill districts, where farmers are increasingly planting different varieties of indigenous fruit trees on the same land.

Fruits including guava, amra, kamranga, jambura, bel, kadbel, ata, pineapple, latkon and papaya are currently available in the markets. Green oranges from the Chattogram Hill Tracts and the locally popular citrus fruit 'Kata Jamir' or 'Kata Lemu' are also being sold.

Ripe dates, sugarcane and different varieties of watermelon are arriving from northern districts, while grapefruit has been available in the market for nearly two months and traders expect its supply to continue for another two months.

Abul Bashar, proprietor of Bismillah Trading at Riazuddin Bazar, the city's largest fruit market, said the supply of local fruits has increased over the past few years as commercial mixed-fruit cultivation has expanded in the hilly areas.

He said fruits are brought to Chattogram from different parts of the Chattogram Hill Tracts and other districts. The fruits are unloaded at wholesale warehouses and then distributed to retailers across the city.

One of the most sought-after local fruits in the Chattogram market is Kanchan guava, cultivated mainly in the Chandanaish-Patiya area of the district. Traders said its large size and distinctive taste have made it popular among local consumers.

The guava is currently being sold across the city at Tk 120 to Tk 300 per dozen, depending on size and quality. It is also exported to international markets from Bangladesh.

Traders said pineapple and latkon, although traditional seasonal fruits, were previously available in limited quantities in Chattogram. They would often appear in the market for only a short period before disappearing.

This year, however, both fruits are arriving in comparatively larger quantities, reflecting increased production in the country.

Latkon and pineapple are currently being sold at Tk 150 to Tk 220 per kilogramme, depending on quality and market conditions.

Consumers are also showing strong interest in amla and kamranga. A dozen of the fruits are being sold for around Tk 120 to Tk 160. Many consumers eat them with salt and pepper, while others use them to prepare pickles and different dishes.

Pineapple is also selling well, with prices ranging from Tk 80 to Tk 200 for a pair, depending on size and quality.

The growing availability of local fruits has given consumers more choices while reviving demand for several varieties that had become relatively scarce in city markets.

Traders attributed the trend to increased cultivation as well as growing consumer demand for seasonal indigenous fruits.

The abundance of local fruits is particularly noticeable in neighbourhood markets, where vendors are displaying several varieties side by side. Consumers can now easily find fruits that were once available only for a brief period during the season.

With production increasing in the hill districts and supplies arriving regularly from different parts of the country, traders expect local fruits to remain widely available in Chattogram markets during the current season.