Narsingdi is one of the districts adjacent to the capital city, Dhaka. Narsingdi holds special significance historically, culturally, economically, and geographically. Although the district’s economy is agriculture-dependent, the handloom industry has made a significant contribution since ancient times. Due to the unique qualities of its soil, water, and climate, Narsingdi has several distinctive products that could receive Geographical Indication (GI) recognition. Here are the potential GI products of Narsingdi:
Narsingdi’s Amrit Sagar Banana
Narsingdi’s Sagar banana differs in taste and size from Sagar bananas grown anywhere else in the country. When cultivated elsewhere, the same banana does not retain that unique flavor. The soil and climate of Narsingdi have made the Amrit Sagar banana distinctive. Amrit Sagar bananas have been produced in Narsingdi for hundreds of years and are supplied to the capital and other districts. It is known that “during the Pakistani era, a local train was named ‘Kolar Gari’ (Banana Cart) for banana export.” Additionally, all trains on the Dhaka-Chattogram and Dhaka-Sylhet lines had separate compartments for bananas.
It is also known that “due to the beautiful taste, aroma, color, and size of Narsingdi’s bananas, they were a prominent part of the daily diet of the Nawabs of Dhaka.” The Narsingdi banana industry provides employment for countless people. Many gardeners cultivate indigenous Amrit Sagar bananas generation after generation, contributing to their livelihoods. For many farmers, banana cultivation is their primary source of income. Recently, with the cooperation of the EDC Team, the Narsingdi District Commissioner’s office has applied to the DPDT seeking recognition for Amrit Sagar Banana.
Narsingdi’s Lotkon
Lotkon (Burmese grape) is a well-known fruit. It is cultivated across Bangladesh, including Narsingdi. However, due to its soil and climate, Narsingdi’s Lotkon has a distinct yield, taste, and size. Because of the extensive cultivation of Lotkon in Narsingdi, many call it the ‘Kingdom of Lotkon’. Lotkon cultivation is increasing every year in Narsingdi. As Lotkon fruits are available in gardens from June to August, a large number of tourists visit every year. Being a profitable crop, Lotkon provides additional income opportunities for local people. A significant number of people in the district are involved in Lotkon cultivation.
Narsingdi’s Lotkon meets domestic demand and is also exported to various countries around the world, thereby strengthening Narsingdi’s economy. If this Lotkon receives GI recognition, its recognition and value in the international market will further increase, which will boost local production opportunities, create employment, and bring in remittances. The Narsingdi District Commissioner’s office has also applied for GI recognition for Lotkon along with Amrit Sagar Banana.
Narsingdi’s Handloom Textiles
The handloom industry has been significantly contributing to Narsingdi’s economy for a long time. This industry is associated with a large amount of employment. Weavers use their creativity to weave a wide variety of handloom textiles. Some also showcase their exquisite skills through intricate craftsmanship, earning their livelihood this way. Competing with modern factories, there are still about 80-90 thousand looms in the district.
Narsingdi’s handloom textiles meet domestic demand and have also expanded into the global market, thereby enriching Narsingdi’s economy. According to various news sources, Narsingdi’s handloom industry supplies 70% of the country’s handloom garments. Narsingdi’s handloom industry is a very old one, with Baburhat being a testament to this, as this market has been famous for handloom products for over 300 years. There is an opportunity to list many handloom products as potential GI products of Narsingdi.
Badshabhog Sweet
Badshabhog is a famous sweet from Narsingdi. While it looks similar to Rosogolla, its size and taste are different. Badshabhog has been made by generations of sweet shop owners in Narsingdi for over a hundred years. As Bengalis love sweets, there is an opportunity to enhance the branding of Badshabhog domestically and internationally by listing it as a GI product. Being a district adjacent to the capital, there is a regular supply opportunity for this sweet through e-commerce of local products. This will increase its recognition and demand day by day, contributing to job creation. We consider this a potential GI product of Narsingdi.
Colombo Lemon
Compared to other lemons, the Colombo lemon is more fragrant, larger, and juicier. Due to the special quality of the soil, this lemon grows well in Narsingdi. Currently, this lemon is commercially cultivated in four upazilas of Narsingdi district.
Colombo lemon is sold domestically and also exported to the global market. Hundreds of farmers have turned their fortunes around by cultivating this lemon, leading educated young people to also engage in Colombo lemon cultivation. The lemon peel has a sweet fragrance, and its rind is thick, so the Colombo lemon peel is eaten. Pickles are also made from the peel.
