Why Are Pineapple Yields So Low? Bangladesh's Risky Secret #Sciencefather#researchawards #professor

 Pineapple cultivation in Bangladesh, particularly in regions like Madhupur and Chittagong Hill Tracts, holds great promise due to favorable climate and soil. However, despite the potential, actual yields remain disappointingly low. Farmers often struggle to achieve optimal productivity, leading to financial uncertainty and crop loss. While the fruit's demand is growing locally and internationally, the consistent underperformance of yield has raised concerns within the agricultural community.

One of the main reasons behind this issue is the over-dependence on traditional, low-yielding pineapple varieties. Farmers seldom have access to high-yield, disease-resistant cultivars or modern farming inputs. Many rely on seed suckers from previous harvests, which weakens the crop’s genetic quality over time. Without proper training or government-supported innovation, farmers continue to repeat outdated practices that are unsustainable in the long run.

Another major factor is the lack of irrigation infrastructure. Pineapple is considered a drought-tolerant crop, but inconsistent rainfall and prolonged dry spells still reduce fruit size and overall yield. Most farmers depend solely on natural rain, without proper irrigation systems or moisture-retaining soil treatments. This makes the crop highly vulnerable to changing weather patterns—a growing risk under current climate conditions.

Pest infestations and soil-borne diseases further compound the problem. Since farmers rarely apply integrated pest management or conduct regular soil health assessments, the crops often suffer silently. Moreover, the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and unregulated pesticides worsens soil conditions over time, weakening the plant's resilience and long-term productivity.

Perhaps the most concerning secret behind the low yields is the widespread practice of early harvesting and artificial ripening to meet market demand. Many farmers pick the fruit before it matures, sacrificing size, flavor, and nutritional value. These pineapples may fetch a quick price at the market, but the practice undermines the overall quality of the harvest and the long-term reputation of Bangladeshi pineapples in export markets. Without intervention through education, infrastructure, and research-driven policy, Bangladesh's pineapple industry may continue to struggle just beneath its full potential.