But the prices may not ease much when full scale harvest begins in a week, farmers and traders fear. Pineapples start ripening with the beginning of monsoon rains.

While visiting some pineapple gardens and local markets, growers told this correspondent that they did not get the expected yield this year, mainly due to drought and scorching heat during March-May. Plants' growth and flowering was retarded by the summer heat. The yield would be much lower than of last year, they said.

Moreover, they are not getting satisfactory returns due to lack of proper marketing and preservation facilities in absence of good communication system.

Sources in the Department of Agriculture Extension (DAE) also said the total yield will be less this year although the cultivation was moreon 1709 hectares against 1605 last year. This is mainly due to drought, they said.

Two varieties are mainly grown in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. These are Honey Queen and Jalpuri, a local variety. Honey Queen is most popular among people.

Last year, total production of pineapples in Rangamati was 25,6,48 tonnes and per hectare yield was 15.98 tonnes.

The seasonal juicy fruit is grown mainly in Kumar Para, Patachhara, Noa Adam, Betchhari, Rangipara, Sapmara, Kulyang para, Dhajjyachhari and Headman Para in Naniachar upazila; Rangapani, Digolibug, Bametomidong, Ajhachhara, Katachhari, Ghuichhari and Parachhara in the Sadar upazila, DAE sources said.

Most farmers in the areas are disappointed this year with their yields. "I earned Tk 40,000 by cultivating pineapples on three acre last year. It will be very difficult to get half of that amount this year," said Kinaram Chakma in Alutila village in the Sadar upazila.

Noadhan Chakma of village Katachhari expressed frustration saying, "I got a bumper production last year and earned Tk 35,000 from two acres but this year the situation is different. Pineapples are smaller in size.

Commercial cultivation of pineapple started in the hills about a decade ago. Its cultivation is increasing as indigenous people are moving away from jhum cultivation, DAE sources said.

The soil and climate in the hills are suitable for cultivation of fruits like pineapple but that needs motivation and assistance, they said.