Why in News?
Recently, the Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) launched Mission Queen Pineapple, a major initiative aimed at promoting Tripura's Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Queen Pineapple and developing a robust pineapple-based value chain in the state.
About Mission Queen Pineapple
Mission Queen Pineapple is a strategic initiative designed to promote Tripura's unique agricultural identity through its renowned Queen Pineapple variety. The mission seeks to establish an integrated value-chain ecosystem covering production, processing, storage, branding, marketing, exports, and waste utilization.
The initiative is expected to strengthen farmers' incomes, generate rural employment, and enhance the marketability of one of Tripura's most prized horticultural products.
Objectives
The mission aims to:
- Develop a complete pineapple value-chain ecosystem.
- Enhance domestic and international market access.
- Promote value-added pineapple products.
- Reduce post-harvest losses.
- Transform agricultural waste, particularly pineapple leaves, into commercially valuable products.
- Increase income opportunities for farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
Duration and Implementation
The Mission has been designed as a three-year roadmap spanning from Q2 FY 2026 to Q4 FY 2028.
Nodal Ministry
The initiative is being implemented under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) in collaboration with state agencies and other stakeholders.
About Queen Pineapple
Queen Pineapple is a premium pineapple variety cultivated extensively in Tripura. It is widely regarded as one of the finest pineapple varieties in India due to its distinctive taste, aroma, and nutritional quality.
Key Features
- Golden-yellow fruit with attractive appearance.
- Sweet taste and pleasant aroma.
- Juicy flesh with low fibre content.
- High nutritional value.
Nutritional Composition
The fruit is rich in:
- Vitamins A, B and C.
- Calcium.
- Magnesium.
- Potassium.
- Iron.
The Total Soluble Solids (TSS), which indicate sweetness, range between 13 and 17.2° Brix, while acidity levels remain between 0.6 and 0.8 percent, providing a balanced sweet-tart flavour.
Geographical Indication (GI) Status
Queen Pineapple received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2015, recognizing its unique geographical origin and distinctive quality characteristics associated with Tripura.
The GI tag helps:
- Protect the product's authenticity.
- Enhance market value.
- Promote exports.
- Safeguard farmers' interests.
Significance of the Mission
Mission Queen Pineapple aligns with the government's broader vision of promoting the North East as a hub for high-value horticulture and agri-business.
The initiative is expected to:
- Strengthen agricultural diversification.
- Boost food processing industries.
- Increase exports of GI-tagged products.
- Encourage sustainable utilization of agricultural residues.
- Promote rural entrepreneurship and women-led enterprises.
- Support the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local.
By integrating production, processing, branding, and marketing, the mission can transform Queen Pineapple into a globally recognized agricultural brand.
Conclusion
Mission Queen Pineapple represents an innovative effort to leverage Tripura's agricultural strengths for economic development. Through value addition, market integration, and sustainable resource utilization, the initiative has the potential to improve farmers' livelihoods, strengthen the rural economy, and establish Tripura as a leading producer of premium pineapples in international markets.