Tripura Global Pineapple Festival 2026 Begins at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium
The Government of Tripura inaugurated the three-day Tripura Global Pineapple Festival 2026 on June 27 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. The international exhibition celebrates the state's Geographical Indication (GI) tagged Queen Pineapple and aims to strengthen exports while promoting Tripura's tourism, handicrafts, and investment potential.
The festival, which runs from June 27 to 29 to coincide with International Pineapple Day, was inaugurated by Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha and Union Minister of State for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Sukanta Majumdar. Policymakers, industry leaders, exporters, and farmers attended the opening.
Speaking at the inauguration, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha shared that Tripura produces nearly 1.78 to 1.87 lakh metric tonnes of pineapples annually, including approximately 23,000 metric tonnes of the Queen Pineapple variety. He described the fruit as a symbol of the state's agricultural strength and cultural heritage.
The festival features 25 exhibition stalls showcasing fresh pineapples, processed food products, and traditional handicrafts. During the opening ceremony, five local pineapple farmers were felicitated for their contributions to the state's horticulture sector.
The Queen Pineapple received its GI tag in 2014 and is known for its distinct sweetness and aroma. Currently cultivated across nearly 12,000 hectares, the fruit serves as a critical livelihood source for thousands of farmers, with 70% to 75% of the growers belonging to tribal communities.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar highlighted the state's recently launched ₹236 crore 'Mission Queen Pineapple'. The initiative aims to scale the economic value of the fruit from ₹35 crore to ₹200 crore by 2028. The mission focuses on expanding cultivation to 15,000 hectares, improving farmer incomes, and upgrading export infrastructure with pack houses, ripening chambers, and refrigerated transport.
Tripura's Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath added that the government is committed to making Tripura a globally recognised horticulture destination. He stated that the festival aligns with the "Vocal for Local" initiative to introduce the fruit to global markets.
Beyond fresh fruit, the state is promoting value-added products such as juices, jams, candies, and vinegar. It is also investing in bromelain extraction plants for the pharmaceutical market and promoting pineapple leaf fibre for use in luxury fashion and sustainable packaging.
