Tripura’s Bishalgarh sends 150 kg of Queen pineapples to Delhi for the first time, marking a major boost to the state’s horticulture. Supported by ICCOA and government efforts, this milestone highlights farmer success, export growth, and Tripura’s rising prominence in national and international fruit markets.
In a landmark moment for Tripura’s agricultural sector, a consignment of 150 kilograms of Queen variety pineapples from Bishalgarh in Sepahijala district was dispatched to New Delhi on Monday. This is the first time pineapples from this specific region have been transported to the national capital under the initiative of a farmer-producer company supported by the International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA), Bengaluru.
The sweet, aromatic pineapples were harvested from the Badyardighi area and carefully packaged for the journey to Delhi. The special delivery was made at the request of a private trader and is destined to be served to an international delegation and prominent Indian dignitaries.
This significant achievement marks a step forward in expanding Tripura’s footprint in national horticultural markets. The event was witnessed by Bishalgarh MLA Sushanta Deb, Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Atashi Das, and other local representatives. Officials from the Horticulture Department, including Superintendent Himanish Laskar and Sector Officer Prabir Dutta, were also present. They expressed satisfaction and pride in the fruits of their efforts—quite literally—emphasizing how years of planning and fieldwork are now showing tangible results.
Farmer Hanif Mia, who cultivates pineapples on one hectare of land, has already sold produce worth ₹70,000 this season. He credited his success to the technical and financial support provided by the Bishalgarh Horticulture Sub-Division Office. “There was a time we didn’t know if we could survive on farming. Today, we are getting recognition and returns,” said Hanif.
Over the last seven years, Tripura’s Queen pineapples have gained considerable fame in both national and international markets. Known for their exceptional sweetness and low fiber content, these pineapples have become a sought-after fruit not only in various parts of India but also in export markets like the United Kingdom and the Middle East.
This surge in popularity has led to a threefold increase in commercial pineapple farming in the state. Inspired by this success, many farmers are now diversifying into other fruits such as jackfruit and lemon. Notably, jackfruit from Tripura has been exported to Dubai and London for the past few years, further cementing the state’s emerging status as a fruit-exporting hub.
However, this transformation didn’t happen overnight. For years, despite the high quality of produce, Tripura’s farmers struggled with poor market connectivity. Most of their produce was either sold cheaply in neighboring states like Assam or informally traded across the Bangladesh border. This lack of structured market access disheartened many farmers, some of whom began abandoning agriculture altogether.
The turning point, according to MLA Sushanta Deb, came after the BJP-IPFT government assumed office in 2018. “We began targeted initiatives to promote and market Tripura’s horticultural products. What you see today is the result of consistent efforts from the government and local administration,” Deb said. He also highlighted ongoing work to reclaim fallow land and promote the cultivation of seasonal fruits like lemon and jackfruit.
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Deb gave special credit to Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, noting how his enthusiasm and commitment to agricultural reform have inspired a new generation of youth to take up modern farming and agro-entrepreneurship. “At the age of 79, our minister is proving that agriculture is not just a profession, but a mission,” Deb added.
As pineapples from a small pocket of Tripura make their way to high-profile tables in Delhi, this symbolic gesture represents more than just a trade transaction. It is a testament to the resilience of local farmers, the success of government intervention, and the promise of a future where Tripura’s fruits can shine on global platforms.
