CM points significant cultural & social role of pineapple in Tripura
AGARTALA: Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha highlighted the significant cultural and social role of pineapple in Tripura and asserted that the Queen pineapple, in particular, is important in promoting the state's identity on a global scale. He was speaking at the Tripura Global Pineapple Festival 2026 held in New Delhi Saturday.
Chief Minister shared that Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a congratulatory message acknowledging the festival and the importance of the pineapple. He expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's support, stating that it reiterates the commitment to empowering farmers and enhancing agricultural excellence.
Dr Saha that the Pineapple Festival aims to inspire farmers, traders, exporters and researchers, thereby showcasing Tripura’s agricultural potential globally.
He also elaborated on the state's rich agricultural heritage, mentioning that pineapple is the second most crucial horticultural crop in Tripura, symbolising both cultural identity and economic prosperity. The fruit is naturally cultivated across varied terrains of the state owing to the dedication of local farmers and tribal communities over generations.
The Queen pineapple has gained Geographical Indication (GI) certification facilitating its global recognition. Approximately 12,000 hectares in Tripura are under pineapple cultivation, yielding an annual production of around 1.78 lakh metric tonnes.
Since the Tripura Government declared pineapple as the state’s official fruit on June 7, 2018, there have been marked improvements in the pineapple value chain.
Chief Minister shared that in 2018-19, Tripura exported 33 metric tonnes of Queen and Kew varieties to multiple countries including Dubai (UAE), Qatar and Bangladesh with further exports to Germany and Russia. The UK and Germany markets have shown significant interest in the GI-tagged Tripura Queen pineapple, which is also in high demand across South Asia.
Union Minister of State for DoNER Dr Sukanta Majumdar and other dignitaries were present at the event.