Agartala, May 13: Tripura is set to bring the spotlight to its prized Queen Pineapple with a special Pineapple Mahotsav in New Delhi from June 27 to 29, announced Ratan Lal Nath, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.

Chairing a preparatory meeting with officials from agriculture, horticulture, forest, and handloom departments, along with MP Rajib Bhattacharya, Nath outlined plans to make the event a global celebration of the state’s GI-tagged fruit.

“Our Queen Pineapple, which is the state fruit, is renowned for its sweetness and quality. The three-day event aims to promote it internationally and support local pineapple growers,” Nath said.

The minister also noted efforts to invite top dignitaries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi cabinet ministers, and Members of Parliament to inaugurate the festival.

The state government, with backing from the Ministry of DoNER and the Ministry of Agriculture, is allocating Rs. 236 crore to strengthen the pineapple sector. Plans include establishing cold storage facilities, collection centers, processing units, and refrigerated transport to enhance both domestic and international marketing.

Nath highlighted Tripura’s export success, saying, “We grow Queen Pineapple on 12,097 hectares, yielding 1.77 million tonnes. Since our government came into office, we have exported pineapple to Dubai, Germany, Oman, and Russia.”

Additionally, a new initiative will turn pineapple leaves into threads, creating added value and supporting sustainable practices. The investment will focus on areas including Jampuijala, Mohanpur, Mohanbhog, Boxanagar, Kathalia, Killa, Padma Bill, Mungiakami, Tulasikhar, Manu, Gandatwisa, Durgachowmuhani, Kumarghat, Gournagar, and Chandipur, with the Ministry of DoNER providing necessary support.

The Pineapple Mahotsav is expected to draw participants and visitors from around the world, putting Tripura’s “Queen Pineapple” firmly on the international map.