Pineapple; the herbaceous perennial tropical plant, is economically significant in the country. It is though grown in the backyard gardens by some farmers, the production volume hasn’t intensified. On the other hand, there is a huge demand for the pineapples especially for processing juices and candies. Moreover, the pineapple plants are known for withstanding extreme weather conditions, and, the plant can also grow in the barren/unfertile land, unlike other crops.
Therefore, the cultivation of the pineapples on a commercial scale was initiated in Yangbari, Mongar by the DoA, APD and the financial support from CARLEP to ARDC, Wengkhar. A total of 25 acres of land is targeted for the activity.
The first lot of 20,000 pineapple seedlings were distributed to 61 beneficiary farmers on 7th July 2018. The farmers will grow the plant under the technical guidance from ARDC, Dzongkhag, and the Gewog Agriculture Extension office. The pineapples, which usually flowers in 5-6 months after cultivation and starts fruiting in the next six months is expected to get available in the market by the end of next year. These pineapples shall preferably be marketed in the upcoming integrated fruit processing plant at Lingmethang.
The CARLEP supports the production and promotion of pineapples in the region to enhance the rural livelihoods with the threshold utilization of land resources. Moreover, pineapple plants are climatically resilient which can withstand the changing climatic conditions, thereby ensuring the sustainability of the pineapple promotion activity.
The similar activity of promoting the pineapple production on a commercial scale is also planned at Trashi Yangste Dzongkhag and the places under Rural Development and Climate Change Program.

-Compiled by: Karma Wangmo

-Information and Picture courtesy: ARDC, Wengkhar Facebook page.