Fulbaria's traditional red sugar gets GI recognition

Red sugar made from sugarcane juice in Fulbaria of Mymensingh, which carries a tradition of about 250 years, noe has received Geographical Indication (GI) product recognition. This sugar is mainly used in sherbet, pitha and desserts.

Fulbaria Upazila Agriculture Officer Nur Mohammad said that an application for GI recognition was made on July 11, 2024 and the government recognized it after the process as there was no dispute. He said that GI recognition will help in expanding the production and market of red sugar and will create opportunities for export outside the country.

According to the Agriculture Department, farmers from about 20 villages in Bakta, Kaladah and Radhakanai unions of the upazila cultivate sugarcane and produce red sugar. Red sugar worth hundreds of crores of taka is sold every year. In 2025, sugarcane was cultivated on 650 hectares of land, 90 percent of which is indigenous variety. About 8 metric tons of red sugar can be obtained from one hectare of sugarcane. Each maund of sugar is sold for an average of Tk8,000.

Red sugar is made by gradually thickening sugarcane juice with fire and stirring it with a wooden stick. The prepared sugar is dried and stored. Since it is natural, it gives the taste of raw sugarcane when used in sherbet or desserts.

Local farmers said that this sugar has been made for generations, without the use of any chemicals. Wholesalers are hoping that demand and business will increase further due to GI recognition.

Fulbaria Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Arifur Islam said that this recognition will make a significant contribution to the agricultural economy of the area.