August 27, 2025
DHAKA – The traditional ‘Laal Chini’ (a reddish-brown, unrefined sugar handmade from sugarcane) of Fulbaria, Mymensingh has officially been recognised as a Geographical Indication (GI) product — a milestone that has brought joy to hundreds of farmers and producers who have safeguarded the 200-year-old craft.
Fulbaria Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Ariful Islam confirmed that the Department of Patents, Industrial Designs and Trademarks under the Ministry of Industries declared Laal Chini the country’s 58th GI product.
“We are delighted over the recognition of this traditional craft,” said Abdus Salam, a farmer from Radhakanai village.
Local journalist Abul Kalam hoped that it would give the district wider national and international attention. He noted that the handmade sugar already enjoys popularity abroad, as expatriate Bangladeshis often carry it overseas.
Farmers and locals said Laal Chini, made from sugarcane, has been produced in Fulbaria since the British era. Once reserved for the affluent, it has since become a signature product of the region.
Currently, the sugar is produced across several villages, including Radhakanai, Polashtoli, Bidhyananda, Koierchala, Bakta, Kushmail, Kaladah, Enayetpur, Rangamatia, Sontoshpur, and Chowdhar.
Hundreds of farmers are engaged in the process, which involves multiple stages of preparation at home. Two main methods are used: dingi (large tray finishing) and dang/doop (hand finishing).
“Getting the GI status will inspire us to protect the identity of Laal Chini and be more careful in production,” said Enamul Haque of Polashtoli Chalapara. Dulal Mia, another farmer, noted that cultivation remains affordable as it requires little water, fertiliser, or pesticide.
According to Fulbaria Agriculture Officer Nur Mohammad, sugarcane was cultivated on 650 hectares this year, with a production target of 5,200 tonnes worth about Tk 100 crore. Farmers are reaping good profits as prices ranged from Tk 5,500 to Tk 7,500 per maund (40 kg), depending on quality.
Mst Nasrin Akhter Banu, deputy director of the Department of Agriculture Extension in Mymensingh, said demonstration plots have already been introduced to support farmers with improved sugarcane varieties and inputs.
“Laal Chini is produced only in Fulbaria and has the potential to grow into an industry. With proper support, it can even become an export item,” she said.