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Mission Queen Pineapple Tripura Launched: Rs 236 Crore Project Aims To Double Farmers’ Income And Boost Global Exports

In a major initiative to strengthen the agriculture and horticulture sector in Tripura, the “Mission Queen Pineapple, Tripura” project was officially launched in New Delhi on Wednesday. The ambitious three-year project, valued at Rs 236 crore, aims to enhance the production of the state’s world-famous GI-tagged Queen Pineapple, improve export opportunities, and significantly increase farmers’ income.

The flagship project was launched in the presence of Jyotiraditya Scindia, Manik Saha, and Ratan Lal Nath in New Delhi.

For more visit Ministry of DONER

Tripura Queen Pineapple To Become A Global Brand

Speaking during the launch ceremony, Chief Minister Manik Saha said the project will transform Tripura’s iconic Queen Pineapple into a globally recognised agricultural brand.

He stated that the GI-tagged Queen Pineapple will lead a multi-dimensional development initiative focusing on:

  • Strengthening pineapple processing infrastructure
  • Building robust domestic and international market linkages
  • Expanding export opportunities
  • Reducing production and yield gaps
  • Enhancing rural economic growth
  • Increasing farmers’ income across Tripura

The Chief Minister further said the state government remains committed to improving the livelihood of pineapple growers through scientific cultivation, branding, and value-chain development.

He also thanked Narendra Modi for his continued support to the Northeast under the Act East Policy, which has opened new avenues for economic growth and agricultural exports from Tripura.

Tripura’s Agro-Climatic Conditions Ideal For Pineapple Cultivation

Addressing the gathering, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath highlighted Tripura’s unique agro-climatic advantages for pineapple cultivation.

He said nearly 70 percent of Tripura’s geographical area consists of hills and hillocks locally known as “Tilla,” while the remaining 30 percent is plain land. These conditions make Tripura one of India’s leading pineapple-producing states.

According to the Minister, tribal farmers across the state primarily cultivate the Queen and Kew pineapple varieties. Among them, the GI-tagged Tripura Queen Pineapple is internationally recognised for its:

  • Strong aroma
  • Golden-yellow colour
  • Sweet taste
  • Low-fibre texture
  • Juicy flesh
  • Premium quality

GI-Tagged Queen Pineapple Has Huge Export Potential

The Minister noted that despite the premium quality of Tripura’s Queen Pineapple, small farmers currently receive only Rs 6 to Rs 10 per kilogram at the farm gate level.

However, processed and export-grade Queen Pineapple can fetch between Rs 80 and Rs 150 per kilogram in domestic and international markets.

He stated that the project aims to bridge this massive pricing gap by developing modern processing units, improving logistics, and strengthening export networks.

Nutritional Value And Premium Quality Of Tripura Queen Pineapple

Tripura’s Queen Pineapple is widely regarded as one of the finest pineapple varieties in India due to its superior sweetness and aroma.

The fruit is rich in:

  • Vitamins A, B, and C
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
  • Iron

The Minister said the pineapple variety has a Total Soluble Solids (TSS) level ranging from 13 to 17.2 degree Brix and acidity levels between 0.6 and 0.8 percent, giving it a balanced sweet-tart flavour highly preferred in international markets.

Tripura Queen Pineapple Export Journey Started In 2018

The Agriculture Minister informed that Tripura began exporting its Queen Pineapple variety on June 3, 2018, starting with shipments to Dubai.

Subsequently, exports expanded to:

  • Qatar
  • Oman
  • Bangladesh

Additionally, canned pineapple products from Tripura were exported to Germany and Russia.

Rs 236 Crore DPR To Be Implemented Between FY 2026 And FY 2028

The Minister said the Detailed Project Report (DPR), titled “Pineapple Cultivation and Value Chain Development,” will be implemented over a three-year period from FY 2026 to FY 2028.

The project seeks to eliminate structural bottlenecks preventing Tripura Queen Pineapple from reaching its full premium market potential.

Funding Pattern Of Mission Queen Pineapple Tripura

The Rs 236 crore project allocation includes contributions from multiple ministries and agencies:

  • Tripura Government – Rs 20 crore
  • Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) – Rs 145 crore
  • Ministry of Agriculture – Rs 30 crore
  • Ministry of Food Processing Industries – Rs 25 crore
  • APEDA – Rs 4 crore
  • Ministry of Industry and Commerce – Rs 2 crore
  • MSME Ministry – Rs 2 crore
  • Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – Rs 2 crore

Three Major Components Of The Queen Pineapple Mission

The DPR has been divided into three major components:

  1. Cultivation Management
  2. Post-Harvest Management And Processing
  3. Branding And Marketing

The Minister said a multi-ministerial coordination framework has also been proposed to ensure smooth implementation of the project.

Pineapple Leaves Worth Rs 1,483 Crore: Turning Agricultural Waste Into Wealth

Highlighting the economic potential of pineapple by-products, the Minister said pineapple leaves currently discarded by farmers have an estimated value of Rs 1,483 crore.

He added that the new mission aims to convert agricultural waste into economic opportunities by promoting value-added products from pineapple leaves.

According to him, the project will help farmers generate additional income from the same land, the same crop, and the same farming ecosystem.

For such exclusive development stories visit The Tripura Post

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