STATE: The first consignment of Tripura’s queen variety pineapple has embarked on its journey to Oman, marking a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural exports. The North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC) facilitated the dispatch of this juicy and sweet fruit via Guwahati. PB Jamatia, the Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, emphasized the state government’s role as a facilitator in marketing horticultural products.

The focus has been on quality production at an enhanced scale, benefiting both farmers and registered marketing agencies. Pineapple production in Tripura has surged from 1.27 lakh MT in 2017-18 to 1.72 lakh MT in 2022-23, thanks to improved marketing facilities1. The export momentum doesn’t stop there. Plans are underway to send at least 6 MT of queen-variety pineapples to Dubai by the end of the month. Negotiations are also in progress with Halland and other European Union countries.

Tripura’s queen pineapple, with its GI tag, has gained international recognition. Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath highlighted the transformation in agricultural activities since the BJP came to power in 2018. Farmers now receive Rs. 32 per kg for pineapples, a significant improvement compared to the past. The increased demand has led to rising prices, with each pineapple costing between Rs. 20 and Rs. 40 in the local market. Tripura’s agricultural produce is on the global map, and economic growth is ripe for the picking. (ANI)