DoNER likely to launch project worth Rs 132-Crore to make queen pineapple a global brand: Ratan Lal Nath

In a significant step towards doubling farmers’ income, Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Ratan Lal Nath, announced that the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) has approved a Rs 132-crore project aimed at promoting the state’s iconic Queen Pineapple as a global brand.

Speaking at the 5th CII Tripura Pineapple Festival 2025, held at Pragya Bhavan, Minister Nath highlighted the immense potential of Tripura’s pineapple industry and the government's roadmap for its global recognition.

“In international trade, pineapple ranks as the third most important tropical fruit after banana and citrus. Tripura’s Queen and Kew varieties thrive in our unique hilly, humid climate with minimal chemical use. The Queen variety, in particular, is golden-yellow with a distinct, pleasant aroma,” said the Minister.

Tripura has 58,491 hectares under fruit cultivation, with 11,862 hectares dedicated to pineapples. The state produces about 1.74 lakh metric tonnes of pineapples annually, though the average productivity (14.6 tonnes per hectare) still trails the national average of 17 tonnes.

Minister Nath said the organic Queen pineapple yields around 12 tonnes per hectare, while the Kew variety yields about 15.71 tonnes per hectare. The Queen pineapple also enjoys Geographical Indication (GI) tag status, recognizing its unique quality and identity linked to Tripura.

 “Out of the total production, nearly 10,000 metric tonnes meet the quality and size criteria for domestic and international markets. This marketable surplus is actively distributed and exported,” Nath informed.

Minister Nath elaborated on the multi-pronged strategy under the DoNER initiative, which includes strategic marketing, digital technology integration, and a focus on reducing post-harvest loss, improving production cycles, and expanding export potential.

 “We aim to cultivate Queen Pineapple throughout the year using a staggering process across 365 days—not just as a seasonal fruit. Initially, this cultivation will cover 2,000 hectares,” he added.

Recalling the past, Nath pointed out that pineapple farmers had long remained neglected.

“Before the BJP came to power, farmers cultivating pineapples never saw tangible benefits. That has changed. Today, they’re not only earning better but also seeing their produce exported to other states and even abroad. The government is actively supporting them through infrastructure, logistics, and market access,” the Minister stated.