Chapainawabganj, known nationwide for its mangoes, has a new agro-industrial opportunity. Commercial production of dried pineapple has begun in the district for the first time and is already attracting local interest. Processed with modern technology, the dried fruit keeps for a long time and retains much of its nutritional value, and demand is growing. The entrepreneur says that with quality production and packaging there is great potential at home and abroad.

The initiative belongs to Ismail Khan Shamim of the Pilink Mor area of Shibganj municipality, who has long worked on mango processing. Falling mango prices in recent years, gluts in the season and limited storage pushed him to try something new. He first turned to dried mango using modern technology and quickly succeeded, but because mango is seasonal he looked for an alternative and chose pineapple, which is more readily available and suitable for processing.

"It was not easy at first," he said. "I tried drying pineapple several times, and it took a long time to get the quality, taste and shelf life right, but through continuous effort I finally succeeded." Dried pineapple is getting a good market response, and he expects demand to grow.

Worker Akalu Islam described the process: ripe, good-quality pineapples are collected and thoroughly washed; skilled workers peel them and cut the flesh into even, thin slices; the slices are then dried slowly for a long time in special dryer machines with controlled temperature. This keeps much of the natural taste, colour and nutrients, and lower moisture makes the product long-lasting and easy to market. Local workers now have year-round employment rather than depending on seasonal work.

Agriculture officials visit the factory regularly and advise on improving production, and pineapple cultivation has begun on a trial basis in various parts of the district to secure a steady supply of raw material. Researcher Sharjana Akter Saba of the Rural Development Department at Chapainawabganj EXIM Bank Agricultural University said successful expansion would greatly reduce seasonal fruit waste and help farmers get fair prices. Dr. Yasin Ali, deputy director of DAE Chapainawabganj, said the department is providing technical advice, training and guidance to maintain quality and ease marketing, and hopes the industry will grow.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.