The Government of Tripura inaugurated the Tripura Global Pineapple Festival 2026 on June 27, a three-day international exhibition celebrating the state’s GI-tagged Queen Pineapple, at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi. Organised by the Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation under the Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department, the festival is being held from 27–29 June, coinciding with International Pineapple Day.The festival was inaugurated by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Sukanta Majumdar, in the presence of policymakers, industry leaders, exporters, buyers, farmers, and delegates from across India. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha said Tripura produces nearly 1.78 – 1.87 lakh metric tonnes of pineapples annually, including around 23,000 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Queen Pineapple supplied to markets. Describing the fruit as a symbol of the state’s agricultural strength and cultural heritage, he said the festival would strengthen exports while showcasing Tripura’s tourism, handicrafts, and investment potential to a global audience.
The festival features 25 exhibition stalls showcasing fresh pineapples, processed food products, handicrafts, and other products from Tripura
Sukanta Majumdar highlighted the recently launched ₹236 crore Mission Queen Pineapple, which aims to increase the fruit’s economic value from ₹35 crore to ₹200 crore by 2028. The mission focuses on improving farmer incomes, strengthening export infrastructure, and creating a sustainable value chain for pineapple growers.Speaking on the occasion, Ratan Lal Nath, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Government of Tripura, said, “Tripura’s Queen Pineapple has always been special, and our farmers have known this for generations. Through this festival, we are introducing its exceptional quality to global markets while creating lasting opportunities for our farmers. Under the leadership of our Chief Minister and the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vocal for Local initiative, we are committed to making Tripura a globally recognised horticulture destination.”The festival features 25 exhibition stalls showcasing fresh pineapples, processed food products, handicrafts, and other products from Tripura. Five pineapple farmers were also felicitated for their contribution to the state’s horticulture sector. The Queen Pineapple, which received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2014, is known for its exceptional sweetness, aroma, and quality. Cultivated across nearly 12,000 hectares, it is a vital source of livelihood for thousands of farmers, with 70–75% of growers belonging to tribal communities.
Beyond fresh fruit, Tripura is also promoting pineapple-based value-added products such as juices, jams, candies, dehydrated slices, sauces, and vinegar
The Government is simultaneously strengthening the pineapple value chain through Mission Queen Pineapple, which includes expanding cultivation to 15,000 hectares, establishing pack houses, ripening chambers, refrigerated transport, GI labelling facilities, and food safety infrastructure to improve market access and exports.Beyond fresh fruit, Tripura is also promoting pineapple-based value-added products such as juices, jams, candies, dehydrated slices, sauces, and vinegar, while supporting Women Self Help Groups to lead local processing enterprises. The state is further investing in bromelain extraction plants to tap into the high-value pharmaceutical market and promoting pineapple leaf fibre, an eco-friendly material increasingly used in luxury fashion, home décor, and sustainable packaging.Through this flagship initiative, the Government of Tripura aims to position the state’s GI-tagged Queen Pineapple as a globally recognised premium agricultural brand while creating new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural communities.
