Identify Problems and Suggest Possible Solutions for Safe Pineapple Production in Madhupur Tract

Abstract

The aim of this study was to ascertain the current problems faced by pineapple growers and suggest possible solutions. A total of 300 pineapple growers of the Madhupur tract were selected as samples following the proportionate random sampling technique. Primary data were collected using a pre-designed and pre-tested interview schedule. Findings indicate that majority of the respondents were middle and young aged (71.4%), and having medium family size (61.9%). The highest proportion (42.9%) of the respondents were illiterate, had high annual income (48.6%), medium farming experience (53.3%), contact with fertilizer dealer (68.67%), medium to small farm size (88.6%), also having medium to small pineapple farm size (89.5%), and majorities production cost and net return was also low which is (42.6%) and (40.0%) respectively. Major constraints reported by pineapple growers were ineffective extension services, high value or unavailability of agrochemicals, infestation of Bengal Monitors in mature fruit, high value or unavailability of labor and so on. Effective extension services, establishment of farmers' association with processing company, making pineapple processing factory, provide training in processing to local small entrepreneurs were some of the major suggestions by the pineapple growers. Multiple regression analysis result indicated that respondents’ education, farm size, pineapple farm size and total income were the contributing factors that influenced their problem facing. These findings will be helpful to the policy maker for developing a sustainable framework and relevant guidelines for increasing pineapple production in Bangladesh.