Tripura’s Queen Pineapple Is Putting The State on The Global Map

AGARTALA – Tripura’s Queen pineapple has become one of the state’s most distinctive agricultural products, transforming a traditional fruit crop into an international export and a symbol of the northeastern state’s identity.

Pineapple has long been cultivated across Tripura’s hills, valleys and plains, where local farmers and tribal communities have grown the fruit for generations. Today, it is the state’s second most important horticultural crop after benefiting from the region’s favourable agro-climatic conditions.

The Queen variety stands apart for its exceptional sweetness, aroma and flavour, qualities that have earned it a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in India. While both the Queen and Kew varieties are cultivated in Tripura, the Queen pineapple has emerged as the state’s signature fruit, gaining recognition across India and overseas.

Pineapple cultivation covers nearly 12,000 hectares in Tripura, producing about 1.78 lakh metric tons annually. Recognizing its significance, the state government declared pineapple as Tripura’s official fruit on June 7, 2018.

The GI tag has strengthened the fruit’s market value and expanded export opportunities. During 2018-19, Tripura exported 33 metric tons of Queen and Kew pineapples to Dubai, Qatar, Oman and Bangladesh. Another 74 metric tons reached Germany and Russia, while nearly 15,400 metric tons were sold across India.

The Queen pineapple has attracted growing interest in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom and Germany. Demand has also remained strong in neighboring countries, including Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, making the fruit one of Tripura’s leading agricultural exports. (IANS)