Pineapple farmers in Durungri village, located in the Pema Gatshel district of eastern Bhutan, have generated approximately Nu 4.5 million (USD 47,700) in revenue through the sale of 100 metric tonnes of fruit in 2026. The Durungri Pineapple Group, which consists of 50 members, currently cultivates approximately 40 acres (16 hectares) of land. The group has experienced significant production growth since its formation in 2022, when it supplied 13 metric tonnes of pineapples. By the summer of 2026, production reached nearly 79 metric tonnes. With the winter harvest underway as of November, the group reached its current annual total of 100 metric tonnes. Farmers in the region typically harvest the crop twice annually. A primary factor in the community’s economic stability is a long-standing supply agreement with Bhutan Agro Industries Limited. The company, which operates a fruit-processing plant in Lingmethang, Mongar district, has purchased pineapples from Durungri farmers for nearly six years. This partnership provides a consistent outlet for the harvest, mitigating the risk of spoilage. The current market price for the pineapples is approximately Nu 45 (USD 0.48) per kilogram. Depending on the size of their individual plantations and harvest yields, households report annual earnings ranging from Nu 22,000 (USD 230) to Nu 250,000 (USD 2,650). While many farmers also cultivate maize, pineapple has become the community’s principal cash crop due to its higher commercial returns. The success of the Durungri Pineapple Group highlights the impact of collective production, which allows farmers to coordinate harvests and supply larger volumes to processors. Moving forward, the sustainability of this growth will depend on maintaining crop quality, ensuring reliable transportation, and securing a stable market for processed goods. If these conditions remain favorable, the community expects pineapple farming to continue serving as a dependable source of rural income.
Article source: Daily Bhutan | Image credit: Daily Bhutan