The Tripura government is preparing to host the Global Pineapple Festival from June 27 to 29 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi, as announced by Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday. The event aims to promote Tripura's internationally acclaimed pineapple varieties and enhance market access for farmers and food processors, thereby attracting investment to the state.
Aligning with International Pineapple Day
This three-day festival coincides with International Pineapple Day, highlighting Tripura's emergence as a leading producer of premium-quality pineapples in India, Saha stated. The festival is envisioned as a dynamic platform to showcase Tripura's agricultural strengths, food-processing capabilities, cultural heritage, and investment potential.
Bringing Stakeholders Together
The event will bring together farmers, entrepreneurs, exporters, food processors, buyers, policymakers, and consumers from across India and beyond. The goal is to bolster Tripura's reputation as the pineapple capital of the northeast, the Chief Minister added.
Focus on GI-Tagged Queen Pineapple
A centerpiece of the festival will be the state's GI-tagged Queen Pineapple, renowned for its exceptional sweetness, fragrance, high fiber content, and superior quality. Along with fresh Queen and Kew pineapple varieties, attendees can explore an array of pineapple products crafted by local entrepreneurs and food-processing units.
Culinary Delights and Cultural Showcase
The culinary segment promises to be a major attraction, featuring an expansive food court serving authentic northeastern cuisine paired with intriguing pineapple-based creations. Visitors will have the chance to sample freshly harvested pineapples alongside pineapple-infused chocolates, jams, jellies, canned goods, and other processed offerings, according to horticulture officials. Indigenous tribal communities will also present traditional dishes adorned with local spices and unique cooking techniques, providing insights into Tripura's rich culinary traditions.
Beyond agriculture and cuisine, the festival will celebrate the state's cultural vibrancy through performances of traditional dance and music, handicraft exhibits, and artisan interactions, said Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath. Dedicated business sessions, trade forums, and buyer-seller meetings will foster direct connections between farmers, producer organizations, food-processing enterprises, and national and international buyers, Nath added.
Broader Strategy for Agricultural Growth
This event is part of the state's broader strategy to boost agricultural exports, stimulate food-processing industries, and enhance farmer incomes through value addition. In recent years, Tripura has gained recognition for its pineapple farming excellence, with its GI-tagged Queen Pineapple emerging as a flagship agricultural product.
The state government has actively promoted initiatives focused on branding, processing, packaging, and export development to unlock the full economic potential of its pineapple industry, Nath noted. Tripura is positioning itself as an emerging hub for agro-industries and sustainable rural advancement.
Uniting the Agri-Value Chain
By uniting diverse players across the agri-value chain, the festival offers an avenue to attract investments, expand markets, and enhance the global stature of Tripura's pineapple sector. The festival aligns with Tripura's broader strategy to develop agro-industries, foster sustainable rural growth, and position the state as a key player in the global pineapple market.
