Neten Dorji

Pemagatshel—Once left fallow, the fields of Durungri village in Pemagatshel are now brimming with pineapple, as farmers dive into commercial-scale pineapple farming with a successful yield.

Thanks to easy market access and low input requirements, the villagers have taken to pineapple cultivation with enthusiasm.

Tashi Dorji, alongside his fellow villagers from Durungri, sold 28 metric tonnes (MT) of pineapples to Bhutan Agro Industries Limited (BAIL) in Lingmethang in Mongar last year.

This year, they are on track to exceed 36 MT in sales to BAIL.

Farmers are now doubling the size of their pineapple plots compared to last season. Most farmers started on plots between 50-decimals and three-acre land, helping to reduce fallow land.

The Durungri Pineapple Growers Group produced 20 to 28 metric tonnes last year, selling pineapples at around Nu 44.5 per kilogram.

“The pineapple business has become lucrative for everyone in the village,”  Dampay, the group leader said. “Every year, farmers are planting more pineapples.”

This year, they are expecting to sell over 36,000 kilograms of pineapples to BAIL.

“Our pineapples are certified organic, so we need not worry  about finding a market,” Dampay said.

Although farmers in Durungri began growing pineapples a decade ago, limited market access hampered their profits. However, BAIL in Lingmethang has been a game-changer.

In February 2022, BAIL signed contracts with local pineapple growers, ensuring a reliable buyer for their produce.

Tshering, 51, returned to his village from Thimphu and planted around 6,000 pineapple seedlings on two acres of fallow land in Durungri. Now in his third year of commercial pineapple farming, his first harvest sold to BAIL brought in approximately Nu 200,000.

“Life is better here if there are income opportunities that eliminate the need to pay rent and bills,” Tshering said. He plans to expand his pineapple farm next year and currently serves as the accountant and marketing officer for the Durungri group.

Another farmer, Thinley, 42, said the lack of a reliable market was a challenge before BAIL began purchasing their produce.

“With a good market, more people are now taking up pineapple farming. I earned about Nu 46,000 this year,” he said, expressing hopes for an even larger return from the next harvest.

Farmers say that market stability provided by BAIL has encouraged most to begin pineapple farming. However, some are concerned about market assurance as the contract with BAIL is set to expire this year.

“When production exceeds demand, prices drop, discouraging farmers,” said one farmer.

Bangyul-Migkuri Tshogpa, Tashi Choden, said  around 50 households in the area have taken up pineapple farming on a commercial scale.

“BAIL in Limethang has directly benefited local farmers and empowered the rural economy. It has also encouraged farmers to expand their pineapple farms and produce more, which ultimately boosts the local economy,” said Tashi Choden.

She said that the group produces organic pineapples to produce Bhutan Natural pineapple juice.

While large-scale pineapple cultivation has taken root, some farmers are worried about future market prospects.

“Officials encourage large-scale fruit cultivation, but market uncertainties can hinder growth,” said a farmer.

BAIL assures market for farmers

BAIL, in collaboration with Agriculture Research and Development Centres (ARDC) and local governments, has launched a pineapple production programme.

Agriculture Research Development Centre and Gewog Agriculture Extension Officer provide technical support, while BAIL guarantees market access for farmers.

BAIL in Lingmethang has signed agreements with farmers from Durungri in Dungmaed Gewog, Khangma in Yurung Gewog, and Nanong in Nanong Gewog under Pemagatshel.

In 2023, BAIL bought a total of 36.34 MT of pineapple, worth Nu 1.28 million. This year, BAIL purchased 33.921 MT, totalling Nu 1.26 million, with farmers still harvesting more pineapples.

A BAIL extension officer, Singye Wangchuk, said that they source fruits and vegetables to make value-added products like juice, jam, marmalade, and pickles.

“With supply issues in passion fruit, farmers now have a chance to step up and meet the growing demand. It is a great moment for local producers to turn a challenge into a success for agriculture,” Singye Wangchuk said