Rajya Sabha MP Rajib Bhattacharjee has raised concerns about the challenges faced by Queen Pineapple cultivators in Tripura and urged the Union government to establish a dedicated Pineapple Park in the state. He also called for modern cold storage facilities and special export incentives to help tribal farmers access international markets.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Bhattacharjee emphasized that Queen Pineapple cultivation plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of thousands of farmers in Tripura. He noted that nearly 33 percent of the state’s tribal population depends on the crop for income.
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Queen Pineapple Central to Rural Economy
Bhattacharjee described Queen Pineapple as a cornerstone of Tripura’s rural economy. The fruit is widely grown across several districts and provides employment to many families in tribal communities.
He highlighted that the crop holds both economic and cultural importance for the state. According to him, improving infrastructure and market access could significantly increase farmers’ earnings.
“Queen Pineapple is not just a fruit; it represents Tripura’s identity,” the MP said while addressing the Upper House.
Recognition as State Fruit and GI Tag
Bhattacharjee also recalled important milestones in the journey of Tripura’s Queen Pineapple. On June 7, 2018, then President Ram Nath Kovind declared the Queen Pineapple as the state fruit of Tripura.
Later, the fruit received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which recognized its unique quality and origin. The GI recognition came under the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and helped promote the fruit in both domestic and international markets.
The GI tag strengthened the branding of Tripura’s pineapple and increased its visibility among buyers worldwide.
Demand for Pineapple Park and Processing Facilities
The Rajya Sabha MP appealed to the Centre, through the Vice President, to establish a dedicated Pineapple Park in Tripura. He said such a facility would allow processing, canning, and production of value-added pineapple products.
According to Bhattacharjee, the park could help farmers move beyond raw fruit sales and benefit from processed products such as canned pineapple, juice, pulp, and other derivatives.
He said value addition would create new business opportunities and increase the income of growers across the state.
Need for Modern Cold Storage Infrastructure
Another major issue raised by the MP was the lack of modern cold storage facilities. Pineapple is a perishable fruit, and without proper storage and transportation systems, farmers often struggle to maintain quality during long-distance transport.
Bhattacharjee stressed that advanced cold storage infrastructure would help preserve the fruit and maintain its freshness for export markets. With proper storage facilities, farmers could also avoid distress sales during peak harvest periods.
Improved infrastructure would make it easier for exporters to send the fruit to international destinations while maintaining its quality.
Call for Export Incentives
The MP also requested special export incentives for Queen Pineapple farmers and exporters. He argued that targeted support from the Centre would help Tripura compete in global markets and expand its agricultural exports.
Such incentives could encourage entrepreneurs and exporters to invest in processing, packaging, and supply chain systems related to pineapple cultivation.
Strengthening Farmers’ Income
Bhattacharjee expressed confidence that the proposed measures would benefit tribal cultivators and strengthen the state’s agriculture-based economy. He said better infrastructure, processing facilities, and export support could ensure fair prices for farmers.
He also noted that expanding the global reach of Tripura’s Queen Pineapple would create new economic opportunities for rural communities.
The MP urged the Union government to take timely action so that the state’s farmers can fully benefit from the growing demand for premium-quality pineapple in both domestic and international markets.
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