BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 27th June 2025: In a major push to transform Tripura’s horticultural landscape and double farmers’ income, the state government, in collaboration with the Union Ministry of DoNER, is set to launch a ₹132 crore project aimed at branding and exporting Tripura’s iconic Queen Pineapple globally.
Unveiling the initiative during the 5th CII Tripura Pineapple Festival 2025 at Pragya Bhavan, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said the project marks a turning point in the state’s agricultural narrative. “Tripura’s Queen Pineapple, with its natural sweetness, distinct aroma, and minimal chemical use, stands out as a premium tropical fruit. Now, with focused investment and strategic marketing, we will make it a global ambassador of Tripura’s agrarian strength,” he said.
The project, spearheaded by the DoNER Ministry under Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, aims to implement year-round cultivation across 2,000 hectares through scientific staggering techniques. “This is not just about increasing production—it’s about transforming pineapple farming into a profitable, export-oriented industry,” Minister Nath added.
Tripura, currently cultivating pineapples across 11,862 hectares of land, produces about 1.74 lakh metric tonnes annually. However, only around 10,000 MT meets the high-quality benchmark for commercial marketing and export. The Minister acknowledged the state’s slightly lower average yield compared to the national standard and said the government is taking steps to bridge this gap through technological upgrades and farmer training.
Significantly, the Queen Pineapple from Tripura holds the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag, underlining its uniqueness and potential in premium global markets. With the new DoNER project, the government plans to leverage this status through branding, digital promotion, and infrastructure support aimed at reducing post-harvest loss and improving market linkages.
Before 2018, pineapple farmers in the state faced poor returns and limited access to markets. “Since the BJP government came to power, that scenario has changed. We’ve facilitated direct export routes, created new markets, and connected farmers to national and international buyers,” Nath said.
Officials expect the initiative to not only enhance farmer incomes but also generate rural employment, boost allied sectors like packaging and logistics, and establish Tripura as a centre of excellence in tropical fruit exports.
“This is more than just a fruit. It’s about Tripura’s identity, potential, and future,” the Minister concluded.
