The pineapples produced in Madhupur upazila of Tangail have earned the status of a Geographical Indication (GI) product. Madhupur is renowned for its red soil. The pineapple from this region is also well-known. The pineapples of Modhupur Garh region is famous for its taste.
Locals consider that the traditional financial fruit pineapple of this area will increase its significance globally with approval of GI status for Madhupur's pineapples. People concerned consider that proper farming of the fruit can open a new hope of export of this fruit.
The Geographical Indication Unit issued the certificate of recognition on September 24.
It was known that the first pineapple cultivation in Bangladesh was initiated by Mizzi Dayamoyi Sangma, a member of the small ethnic Garo community from Idilpur village of Modhupur in 1942. She brought 750 saplings from her relatives' house in Meghalaya of India, and started growing pineapples. Then, it expanded to various regions of the country.
Ajay A Mri, former president of the Joyenshahi Indigenous Development Council, said the first pineapple cultivation in Madhupur began in Idilpur village. Later, it spread elsewhere. To preserve this heritage, he advised to cultivate pineapples organically.
A local farmer from Garo Bazar, Sanowar Hossain, said the cultivation and market potential of Madhupur's pineapple were not meeting as expected. The recognition of GI status has created a hope for the pineapples of the area. The history and heritage of the pineapple have now gained significant recognition at home and abroad, he added.
Shakura Nammi, Agriculture Officer of Madhupur, said the recognition as a GI product means geographical indication. Pineapples are also grown in Sylhet and various hilly areas except Madhupur. Now, pineapple means Madhupur's pineapple at home and abroad. The efforts of exporting pineapples in international market have now become more favourable.
Modhupur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Jubayer Hossain said the GI recognition of traditional goods of the country is very important to strengthen our condition in international trade.
It is a matter of joy and pride for the residents of Modhupur to get Modhupur’s pineapples the status of GI product. The pineapples of Modhupur are famous countrywide. Now, the people of the world are getting familiar with it. It will create an international market for Modhupur’s pineapples.
