Tripura sent 600 export-quality Kew pineapples to Bangladesh as a goodwill gesture, strengthening India-Bangladesh ties through traditional fruit diplomacy. The consignment, flagged off by the Tripura government, highlights the state’s premium horticultural produce while promoting cross-border friendship and agricultural cooperation.
In a symbolic gesture aimed at strengthening the long-standing friendship between India and Bangladesh, the Tripura government on Wednesday dispatched 600 export-quality pineapples to the neighbouring country. The consignment, comprising the state’s renowned Kew variety of pineapples, was sent as a goodwill gift on behalf of Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha for the Bangladesh government, continuing the annual tradition of exchanging seasonal fruits between the two neighbours.
The consignment consisted of 100 boxes, each containing six premium-quality pineapples, making a total of 600 fruits. It was flagged off through the Akhaura Integrated Check Post (ICP) on the India-Bangladesh border before being transported across the international boundary after completing all necessary customs and border formalities.
The initiative comes shortly after the Tripura government received a consignment of mangoes from Bangladesh as part of the customary exchange of seasonal fruits that has been carried out for several years. Officials described the exchange as a reflection of the cordial relations and mutual goodwill shared by the people and governments on both sides of the border.
Speaking to reporters during the flag-off ceremony, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department Secretary Apurba Roy said the exchange of seasonal fruits has become an important tradition that promotes friendship and cultural ties between the neighbouring countries.
“We are sending 100 boxes of pineapple to Bangladesh as a goodwill gesture. This has been a tradition for the last several years. A few days back, the Bangladesh government gifted us mangoes. In return, we are sending pineapple,” Roy said.
He further noted that the fruits being exported are of premium export quality and are intended to showcase Tripura’s rich horticultural potential to consumers in Bangladesh.
“The pineapple we are sending is of export quality. We want the government of Bangladesh and the people of the neighbouring country to become aware of this product. This is a gift to the Bangladesh government,” he added.
Director of the Tripura Horticulture Department, Phanibhusan Jamatia, said the consignment exclusively comprised the state’s famous Kew variety of pineapples, widely recognised for their sweetness, aroma and superior quality. He reiterated that the shipment included 100 boxes carrying six fruits each, amounting to a total of 600 pineapples.
After the completion of customs clearance and other official formalities at the Integrated Check Post, the consignment was formally handed over at the zero point on the India-Bangladesh border to officials of the Assistant High Commission of India in Chattogram for onward delivery to the Bangladesh government.
Several senior officials attended the flag-off and handover ceremony, including Agriculture Department Secretary Apurba Roy, Horticulture Director Phanibhusan Jamatia, consultant Rajib Ghosh, Santanu Debbarma, and officials from the Land Ports Authority of India. Representatives from the Assistant High Commission of India in Chattogram, including Assistant Consular Officer Pankajjyoti Das and official Sajib Chakraborty, were also present during the formal handover.
Tripura is one of India’s leading producers of high-quality pineapples, particularly the Kew variety, which enjoys strong demand in domestic and international markets. The latest goodwill initiative not only reinforces the tradition of fruit diplomacy between India and Bangladesh but also serves as an opportunity to promote Tripura’s export-quality agricultural produce beyond national borders.
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Officials believe that such exchanges strengthen bilateral relations while creating greater awareness of Tripura’s horticultural excellence, opening avenues for increased agricultural cooperation and future export opportunities with Bangladesh.
