Tripura is set to make its famed Queen variety pineapple a global brand with a ₹132 crore project, supported by DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The initiative aims to boost cultivation, exports, and farmer income, transforming Tripura’s horticultural economy and showcasing its GI-tagged fruit on the international stage.
In a major development aimed at enhancing Tripura’s agricultural potential and global trade footprint, the Union Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) is actively considering a ₹132 crore project submitted by the state government to boost the cultivation and global branding of the famed Queen variety of pineapple. This initiative, spearheaded by Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, has received firm support from DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
According to Nath, the project’s primary objective is to increase the cultivation area of Queen pineapples in a phased manner, starting with an initial expansion across 2,000 hectares. “We had several meetings with Union Minister Scindia, and he assured his full support for this project. He even expressed interest in visiting the state personally to observe pineapple farming practices on the ground,” Nath told IANS.
The Queen pineapple, widely known for its golden yellow skin, rich sweetness, and distinct aroma, is a hallmark of Tripura’s horticultural legacy. Unlike most seasonal fruits, this pineapple variety is cultivated in the state throughout the year, making it an economic lifeline for thousands of farmers. Tripura’s unique hilly terrain and humid climate allow for natural cultivation with minimal chemical use, enhancing the organic appeal of its pineapples.
Tripura currently boasts 58,491 hectares of total fruit cultivation, with 11,862 hectares dedicated to pineapple farming. The annual production stands at approximately 1,74,016 metric tonnes, with average productivity at 14.6 tonnes per hectare. While slightly below the national average of 17 tonnes, the Queen variety remains distinct for its GI (Geographical Indication) tag, awarded for its quality and regional specificity.
“Queen pineapples produce about 12 tonnes per hectare organically, while the Kew variety performs slightly better at 15.71 tonnes per hectare,” Nath added. “But what makes the Queen pineapple so important is its GI status and international recognition.”
The Minister further highlighted the transformative impact of the BJP-led state government since 2018. “Before our government came to power, pineapple growers didn’t receive the attention or market access they deserved. Now, with active government support, farmers are exporting to multiple Indian states and countries,” he noted.
In recent years, Tripura has exported Queen pineapples to destinations like Dubai, Qatar, and Bangladesh. These exports have generated significant revenue for local farmers and introduced Tripura’s pineapples to the global market. Besides pineapples, Tripura also exports other fruits and horticultural products, such as lemon, jackfruit, betel leaf, ginger, stone apple, and tamarind, to countries including the UK, Germany, and the Middle East.
The move to globalize the Queen pineapple brand is not just a commercial opportunity but also a cultural celebration of Tripura’s agricultural heritage. Former President Ram Nath Kovind had declared the Queen variety as Tripura’s official state fruit during a visit to Agartala in 2018, reinforcing its significance.
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The ₹132 crore project, if approved, is expected to enhance farming infrastructure, improve logistics for exports, and boost the income of pineapple growers. It aligns with India’s broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) by promoting indigenous products on the international stage.
With Jyotiraditya Scindia’s backing and central support likely, Tripura’s Queen pineapple is poised for a new era—one where it not only sweetens plates across India but becomes a celebrated global brand.
