Tripura launched the Rs 236 crore Mission Queen Pineapple project in New Delhi to strengthen pineapple processing, exports, branding, and farmer income. The three-year initiative aims to transform the GI-tagged Queen Pineapple into a globally recognized premium fruit from Northeast India.
A major initiative aimed at transforming Tripura’s pineapple economy and boosting the income of thousands of farmers was formally launched in New Delhi on Wednesday with the unveiling of the ambitious “Mission Queen Pineapple, Tripura” project worth Rs 236 crore.
The three-year project was launched in the presence of Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, and the state’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath in New Delhi.
The ambitious programme has been designed to improve pineapple cultivation, strengthen processing facilities, expand exports, create better market linkages, and establish Tripura’s GI-tagged Queen Pineapple as a premium global brand.
Speaking during the launch ceremony, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said the project would play a significant role in accelerating rural economic development while enhancing the earnings of pineapple growers across the state.
He said the GI-tagged Queen Pineapple of Tripura has already earned recognition for its exceptional quality and taste, and the new mission would further strengthen infrastructure and marketing systems needed to compete in international markets.
“With our GI-tagged Queen Pineapple leading the way, this multi-pronged initiative will strengthen processing infrastructure, build robust market linkages, and elevate Tripura’s state fruit into a global brand,” the Chief Minister said.
He further stated that the government is committed to reducing production gaps and increasing export opportunities to ensure sustainable growth for farmers and rural communities.
Dr. Saha also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for extending continuous support to the Northeastern region through the Act East Policy, which he said has opened new avenues for economic growth and prosperity.
Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, while addressing the gathering, highlighted the geographical and agricultural uniqueness of Tripura. He noted that nearly 70 percent of the state’s land area consists of hills and hillocks locally known as “Tilla,” while the remaining portion comprises plain land suitable for cultivation.
According to the Minister, Tripura’s agro-climatic conditions make it one of India’s leading pineapple-producing states. The state primarily cultivates the Queen and Kew varieties of pineapple, mostly by tribal farmers residing in rural and hilly regions.
He emphasized that the Queen Pineapple, which has already received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, is considered one of the finest pineapple varieties due to its strong aroma, golden-yellow appearance, low fibre content, juicy flesh, and balanced sweet-tart taste.
The Minister stated that despite possessing premium-quality produce, most pineapple growers in Tripura currently receive only Rs 6 to Rs 10 per kilogram at the farm gate. In contrast, processed or export-grade Queen Pineapple can fetch between Rs 80 and Rs 150 per kilogram in domestic and international markets.
He said the project aims to bridge this huge value gap by creating modern value chains and ensuring better returns for farmers.
Ratan Lal Nath also described the nutritional benefits of the fruit, stating that the Queen Pineapple is rich in vitamins A, B, and C and contains essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. He added that the fruit’s sweetness level ranges from 13 to 17.2 degree Brix with balanced acidity, making it highly desirable in export markets.
Recalling the export journey of Tripura’s pineapples, the Minister said the first shipment of Queen Pineapple from the state was exported to Dubai on June 3, 2018. Since then, exports have expanded to countries including Qatar, Oman, and Bangladesh, while canned pineapple products have also reached markets in Germany and Russia.
The Minister informed that the Detailed Project Report titled “Pineapple Cultivation and Value Chain Development” will be implemented from the financial year 2026 to 2028. The roadmap has been prepared to address structural challenges in cultivation, post-harvest management, processing, packaging, branding, and exports.
Out of the total Rs 236 crore allocation, the Tripura Government will contribute Rs 20 crore, while the Ministry of DoNER will provide Rs 145 crore. Additional contributions include Rs 30 crore from the Ministry of Agriculture, Rs 25 crore from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Rs 4 crore from APEDA, Rs 2 crore from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Rs 2 crore from the MSME Ministry, and Rs 2 crore from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.
| Also Read: CM Extends Eid-ul-Adha Greetings Across Tripura |
Officials said the project has been divided into three major components — cultivation management, post-harvest management and processing, and branding and marketing.
The government also plans to promote the commercial use of pineapple leaves, which are currently discarded as agricultural waste. According to the Minister, pineapple leaves possess significant economic value and can be utilized for fibre extraction and other commercial applications, potentially generating additional income for farmers.
| Also Read: Tripura banking growth sparks concerns over unequal credit distribution |
The launch of Mission Queen Pineapple is being viewed as a major step toward strengthening Tripura’s agricultural economy, increasing exports from the Northeast, and positioning the state as a leading global supplier of premium-quality pineapples.
