Tripura: Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launched the ₹236 crore Queen Pineapple Mission in Tripura to strengthen pineapple cultivation, processing and exports through a convergence-based development plan.
The three-year initiative will run from Q2 FY2026 to Q4 FY2028. The programme aims to build an integrated value chain around Tripura’s GI-tagged Queen Pineapple. The Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region is anchoring the mission in coordination with several Central ministries and the Tripura government.
Scindia said the initiative aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of transforming the Northeast into a hub for high-value agricultural products. He stated that farmers should benefit not only from cultivation but also from processing, branding, packaging and exports.
The minister said the mission would help farmers secure better returns through stronger market integration and infrastructure support. He added that Tripura’s Queen Pineapple had strong global potential because of its aroma, low-fibre texture and GI recognition.
The mission includes a Hub and Spoke infrastructure model near Agartala airport and major pineapple-growing districts. Officials said the network would include cold storage units, grading centres, reefer transport and digital traceability systems.
Queen Pineapple Mission focuses on exports and processing
The project will also revive the Nalkata Pineapple Processing Unit through a Viability Gap Funding model. NERAMAC and private partners will jointly implement the processing initiative.
Officials said the programme would support pineapple-based value-added products and create opportunities for women self-help groups and tribal communities. The mission also plans to utilise pineapple waste for Bromelain extraction and pineapple leaf fibre processing.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said the state government was promoting value addition, packaging and branding to improve farmer income. He added that the initiative would help establish Tripura pineapple as a global brand.
MDoNER Secretary Sanjay Jaju said the mission aimed to address major structural gaps in the sector. He said farmers currently received low prices despite the premium quality of the fruit.
The programme will also include GI authorisation workshops, organic certification support, buyer-seller meets and export-readiness measures. Officials said the government would organise an annual Tripura Queen Pineapple Festival aligned with International Pineapple Day on June 27.
