Make way for the 'Queen': Tripura eyes global status for state fruit, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• Tripura is actively promoting its Queen Pineapple for global recognition and export.
• The Queen Pineapple was declared the state fruit in 2018 and received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2014.
• The state is organizing the Tripura Global Pineapple Festival in New Delhi, starting June 27, to boost market linkages.
• The Mission Queen Pineapple of Tripura, a Centrally-funded farm-to-plate program worth Rs 236 crore, was launched on May 27.
• Tripura cultivates Queen and Kew pineapple varieties across 11,698 hectares, yielding 1.71 lakh MT annually.
• Since 2018-19, Tripura has exported 33.10 MT of fresh pineapples to UAE and Bangladesh, and 74 MT of canned pineapple to Germany and Russia.

Queen Pineapple.png

Detailed Insights:

• The Tripura Global Pineapple Festival aims to establish direct connections between farmers and buyers, exporters, and food-processing companies.
• Pineapple cultivation is a significant livelihood for Tripura's tribal population, which constitutes over 30% of the state.
• The Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) supports various developmental projects in Tripura, including agro-marketing initiatives.
• Tripura's unique agro-climatic conditions facilitate the cultivation of Queen and Kew pineapple varieties with minimal chemical use.
• The festival will also showcase ancillary pineapple products such as thread from leaves, chocolates, jams, and jellies.
• These initiatives are expected to create new job opportunities in processing, packaging, and marketing, fostering rural economic development.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: A sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin.
• Mission Queen Pineapple of Tripura: A Centrally-funded program aimed at promoting and developing the entire value chain of pineapple in Tripura, from farm to market.
• Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER): A Government of India ministry responsible for the socio-economic development of the eight states of North Eastern India.
• Market Linkages: The connections and channels through which agricultural produce moves from farmers to consumers, including buyers, processors, and exporters.