Tripura celebrated its Queen pineapple at the Kumarghat Pineapple Festival with a major announcement to revamp the Nalkata Processing Centre. Minister Ratan Lal Nath highlighted international exports, government initiatives, and farmer-friendly policies, showcasing Tripura’s agricultural excellence and the community’s vibrant spirit in a festival full of promise and pride.
Tripura’s famed Queen pineapple took center stage at a vibrant one-day Pineapple Festival held at the Geetanjali Auditorium Hall in Kumarghat. The festival, a celebration of the state’s agricultural prowess, was organized by the Directorate of Horticulture and Soil Conservation in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The event was co-powered by the Young Darlong Association, emphasizing both the region’s agro-potential and its vibrant community spirit.
The festival was inaugurated by Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath, who was accompanied by key dignitaries including Minister Sudhangshu Das, MLAs Bhagaban Das and Binoy Bhusan Das, Unakoti Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Amalendu Das, Joint Secretary DONER Angshuman Dey, and others. Their collective presence highlighted the state government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural economy.
In his keynote address, Minister Nath hailed Tripura’s organic Queen pineapple as a global sensation, emphasizing its international demand and the BJP-led government’s role in boosting the state’s agri-exports. From 2018 to 2025, Tripura exported 73.15 metric tons (MT) of pineapple to countries like Dubai, Oman, and Qatar. Additionally, 15,000 MT were supplied to Indian markets. Jackfruit, ginger, and betel leaf have also found international buyers—with 4.4 MT of jackfruit reaching the United States, 30 MT of ginger and 17 MT of betel leaf being exported to Bangladesh.
One of the day’s most significant announcements was the planned revamp of the Nalkata Fruit Processing Centre in Dhalai district. The upgraded centre will be developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, aiming to modernize post-harvest infrastructure and minimize wastage while ensuring farmers gain better access to markets.
“Cold storage is essential, but fresh fruits have a limited shelf life,” said Nath. “The Nalkata centre will ensure that farmers no longer have to transport their produce over long distances, thereby increasing their profits through localized value addition.”
Nath also revisited the 2018 milestones—when Queen pineapple received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag and was declared the official State Fruit. These achievements have enhanced the fruit’s branding and opened up new market opportunities.
Tripura currently dedicates over 74,000 kani (approximately 24,793 hectares) to pineapple cultivation, producing an annual yield of about 1.74 lakh metric tons. Of this, the Kew variety covers 53,700 kani, while Queen pineapple cultivation spans 22,000 kani. Staggered planting and year-round farming are actively promoted by the government to maximize output and reduce seasonal dependency.
Taking a dig at the previous Left-led government, Nath said the current administration has ensured better infrastructure, market linkage, and support for farmers. He added that a Rs 132 crore project is under consideration to enhance the branding and export infrastructure of Tripura’s horticultural products.
To boost farmer morale and reward agricultural innovation, the minister announced an increase in the award money for progressive farmers—from Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. “This is to uplift the spirit of our farmers so that they work with joy and confidence,” Nath said.
The event saw the participation of enthusiastic farmers, agricultural officers, and local citizens. Minister Nath also visited exhibition stalls, interacted with cultivators, and witnessed the agricultural displays that captured Tripura’s rich agro-diversity.
| Also Read: TMP leader begins 2,500 km foot march to Delhi for Greater Tipraland |
Adding a humanitarian touch, the Young Darlong Association organized a voluntary blood donation camp during the event, reflecting the community’s unity and civic responsibility.
As the Pineapple Festival concluded, it left behind a strong message: Tripura’s agricultural future is not just ripe—it’s golden. With strategic investments, visionary planning, and committed governance, the Queen pineapple is set to reign far beyond the borders of the state.
