How is Scindia Supporting Tripura’s Pineapple to Become a Global Brand?

Agartala, June 28 (NationPress) The Union Ministry of DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region) is currently evaluating a significant project from the Tripura government, amounting to Rs 132 crore, aimed at enhancing the cultivation area for the Queen variety of pineapple and establishing this delectable fruit as a global brand, stated Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Saturday.

The Minister mentioned that multiple discussions have taken place with DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who has committed to supporting the state's efforts to broaden the cultivation of the Queen variety of pineapple and elevate this tasty fruit to international recognition.

“Scindia has promised to visit the state along with officials to observe the pineapple farming firsthand. Following our discussions, we have recently submitted the Rs 132 crore proposal to the DoNER ministry,” Nath informed IANS.

He elaborated that Tripura's cultivation of the Queen variety of pineapple occurs year-round, rather than being limited to a seasonal harvest, with plans to initiate cultivation across 2,000 hectares.

Tripura is well-known for its Queen and Kew pineapple varieties, both thriving in the state's distinctive hilly and humid climate with minimal chemical use. These pineapples are characterized by their golden yellow color and a unique, pleasant aroma when ripe, according to Nath, who also oversees the power department.

The Minister noted that the fruit cultivation area in Tripura spans 58,491 hectares, of which 11,862 hectares are dedicated to pineapple cultivation, yielding approximately 1,74,016 metric tonnes annually, with an average productivity of 14.6 tonnes per hectare, slightly less than the national average of 17 tonnes per hectare.

“The organic Queen pineapple achieves a yield of about 12 tonnes per hectare, while the Kew variety boasts a higher productivity of 15.71 tonnes per hectare. The Queen variety pineapple has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, signifying its unique characteristics and quality in the state,” Nath stated.

He added that prior to the BJP government assuming power, pineapple farmers did not enjoy significant benefits.

“However, since the BJP government took office in 2018, farmers have begun to see improvements, with the government assisting them in exporting to other states and countries,” the Minister remarked.

For years, Tripura has been exporting pineapples and lemons to various countries and Indian states.

Tripura has also exported the Queen variety pineapples to Dubai, Qatar, and Bangladesh, generating substantial trade for local farmers.

Officials noted that in addition to pineapples, Tripura exports numerous other fruits, such as lemons and horticultural products, to countries including the UK and Germany.

In 2018, former President Ram Nath Kovind designated the Queen variety of pineapple as Tripura's state fruit during a function in Agartala. Alongside pineapples, Tripura exports significant quantities of jackfruit, tamarind, stone apple, betel leaf, and ginger to the UK, Germany, Dubai, Bangladesh, and other nations, as well as various Indian states.