Photo Courtesy: nenews
Agartala: A new three-year initiative called Mission Queen Pineapple, Tripura, has been launched to elevate the state's signature fruit into a globally recognized brand. With an outlay of Rs 236 crore, the project seeks to improve cultivation, processing, and marketing to directly increase farmers' income.
The project was unveiled in New Delhi by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, and state Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath. It will run from fiscal year 2026 to 2028, focusing on bridging the gap between current farm-gate prices and the premium values commanded by export-quality produce.
State Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath noted that while local farmers currently earn between Rs 6 and Rs 10 per kilogram, processed exports can fetch up to Rs 150. The mission aims to address these structural challenges through a multi-ministerial effort involving the central government, the state government, and agencies like APEDA. Key funding comes from the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, alongside contributions from agriculture, food processing, and industry departments.
Tripura's Queen Pineapple is already well-regarded for its golden-yellow color, low-fiber texture, and sweet-tart flavor profile. The initiative builds on initial export efforts that began in 2018, which have already seen the fruit reach markets in the Middle East, Europe, and Russia. Officials noted that the project will focus on strengthening the entire value chain to ensure these exports reach their full commercial potential.
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