NEW DELHI: The Government of Tripura on Saturday inaugurated the Tripura Global Pineapple Festival 2026 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, launching a three-day international exhibition dedicated to promoting the state’s globally acclaimed GI-tagged Queen Pineapple. Organised by the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation under the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department, the event is being held from June 27 to 29, coinciding with International Pineapple Day.
The festival was inaugurated by Tripura Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha along with Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Dr. Sukanta Majumdar. The inaugural ceremony witnessed the participation of policymakers, exporters, traders, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, farmers, and delegates from different parts of the country.
Showcasing Tripura’s Agricultural Strength
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said Tripura has emerged as one of India’s leading pineapple-producing states, with an annual production of nearly 1.78 to 1.87 lakh metric tonnes. Of this, around 23,000 metric tonnes consist of the premium GI-tagged Queen Pineapple, renowned for its exceptional sweetness, aroma, and quality.
He described the Queen Pineapple as a symbol of Tripura’s rich agricultural heritage and said the festival would help introduce the state’s horticultural excellence to national and international buyers. According to him, the event would also promote tourism, handicrafts, and investment opportunities while creating stronger export linkages for local farmers.
Mission Queen Pineapple to Boost Rural Economy
Speaking at the event, Union Minister Dr. Sukanta Majumdar highlighted the recently launched ₹236-crore Mission Queen Pineapple, an ambitious initiative designed to significantly enhance the economic value of Tripura’s signature fruit.
The mission aims to increase the pineapple economy from nearly ₹35 crore to ₹200 crore by 2028 by strengthening the entire value chain. The project includes expanding cultivation, improving processing facilities, enhancing export infrastructure, and ensuring better returns for pineapple growers.
The initiative is expected to generate employment, improve farmer incomes, and establish Tripura as a leading supplier of premium pineapples in domestic and international markets.
Prime Minister Extends Greetings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his greetings on the occasion, expressing confidence that the festival would create fresh opportunities for trade, investment, and international partnerships. He also noted that such initiatives contribute to the broader vision of building a Viksit Bharat by promoting regional agricultural strengths and empowering farmers.
Government Committed to Farmers’ Welfare
Tripura Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said the Queen Pineapple has been a source of pride for the people of the state for generations. He stated that the festival offers an important platform to introduce the fruit’s superior quality to buyers from across the world while opening new markets for local farmers.
He added that under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha and inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vocal for Local initiative, the state government is working to establish Tripura as a globally recognised horticulture destination.
Exhibition Highlights Local Products
The festival features 25 exhibition stalls displaying fresh Queen Pineapples, processed food products, handicrafts, and various other items produced in Tripura. Visitors can explore a wide range of pineapple-based products while interacting directly with farmers and entrepreneurs.
As part of the inaugural ceremony, five pineapple farmers were felicitated for their outstanding contribution to the development of the state’s horticulture sector.
GI-Tagged Queen Pineapple Gains Global Attention
Tripura’s Queen Pineapple received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2014, recognising its distinctive characteristics and superior quality. Cultivated across nearly 12,000 hectares, the fruit provides livelihood opportunities to thousands of farming families.
Officials noted that nearly 70 to 75 percent of pineapple growers belong to tribal communities, making the crop an important contributor to rural income and inclusive economic development.
Focus on Value Addition and Sustainable Growth
The state government is simultaneously strengthening the pineapple ecosystem through Mission Queen Pineapple. Plans include expanding cultivation to 15,000 hectares, setting up modern pack houses, ripening chambers, refrigerated transport facilities, GI labelling systems, and food safety infrastructure to improve exports.
Beyond fresh fruit exports, Tripura is encouraging the production of value-added products such as pineapple juice, jams, candies, sauces, vinegar, and dehydrated fruit slices. Women Self Help Groups are also being supported to establish local food processing enterprises, creating additional employment opportunities in rural areas.
The government is further investing in bromelain extraction plants, targeting the high-value pharmaceutical sector. Additionally, efforts are underway to promote pineapple leaf fibre as a sustainable material for luxury fashion, eco-friendly packaging, and home décor products.
Strengthening Global Market Presence
The Tripura Global Pineapple Festival 2026 will continue until June 29 and remains open to media representatives, exporters, buyers, industry stakeholders, and the general public.
Through this flagship initiative, the Government of Tripura aims to transform its GI-tagged Queen Pineapple into a globally recognised premium agricultural brand while creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, women-led enterprises, and rural communities. The festival also reinforces the state’s commitment to modernising agriculture, promoting exports, and positioning Tripura as a key horticultural hub on the international stage.
