A Sweet Celebration in the Capital
This week, the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium has transformed into a vibrant hub celebrating one of Northeast India's most cherished agricultural treasures. The Tripura Global Pineapple Festival, which kicked off on June 27, is a three-day extravaganza
dedicated to the state's Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Queen Pineapple. Organised by Tripura's Department of Horticulture in collaboration with the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), the event aims to create a direct bridge between the farmers of Tripura and consumers in the national capital, coinciding with International Pineapple Day. With around 25 stalls, the festival showcases not just the fresh fruit but also a host of value-added products, cultural performances, and the rich heritage of Tripura.
The Queen Arrives from Tripura
So, what makes the Queen Pineapple so special? This isn't just any pineapple. Awarded the GI tag in 2015, the Queen variety is celebrated for its exceptional sweetness, delightful aroma, golden-yellow hue, and lower fibre content. Unlike larger varieties, the Queen is smaller and more compact, but it packs a flavourful punch with a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. It was declared the state fruit of Tripura in 2018, a testament to its cultural and economic significance. For generations, it has been a symbol of prosperity in the region, cultivated using organic practices that further enhance its unique taste.
More Than Just a Fruit
The festival is a key part of a larger strategy called 'Mission Queen Pineapple'. This ambitious initiative, backed by a significant government investment, aims to boost the entire pineapple value chain—from cultivation and processing to branding and exports. Officials have announced plans to expand the cultivation area for Queen Pineapples from nearly 12,000 hectares to 15,000 hectares in the coming years. The mission also focuses on reducing post-harvest losses and empowering farmers, a majority of whom belong to tribal communities, by giving them better market access and more stable incomes.
A Taste of the Northeast
For visitors in Delhi, the festival is a sensory delight. Beyond purchasing the fresh fruit, attendees can explore a wide array of pineapple-based products. These include everything from jams, juices, and candies to dehydrated slices and even pineapple-leaf fibre, an eco-friendly material used in fashion and decor. The event serves as a crucial platform for farmers and entrepreneurs from Tripura to showcase their innovations and connect with buyers, exporters, and policymakers. It's a chance to not only taste the fruit but also to understand the story behind it, celebrating the hard work of the growers and the rich biodiversity of the Northeast.
Bridging the Farm-to-Table Gap
Ultimately, events like the Tripura Global Pineapple Festival play a vital role in strengthening the national food ecosystem. By bringing regional specialities to major urban centres, they create new economic opportunities for farmers and introduce consumers to the diverse agricultural heritage of India. This direct market linkage helps ensure that farmers receive a fairer price for their premium produce while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted in a message for the event, such festivals are a significant step in showcasing Tripura's agricultural heritage to a global audience and improving the livelihoods of its farmers.
