Tripura, one of India’s northeastern states known for its lush greenery and horticultural diversity, has made headlines by exporting 73 metric tonnes (MT) of its famed Queen variety pineapples to Gulf nations in the current season. This move not only marks a significant achievement for the state’s farmers but also highlights Tripura’s increasing integration into global agri-trade circuits.
Tripura’s pineapple export journey: Key milestones and vision
In recent years, Tripura has actively explored international markets for its agricultural produce. Pineapple, particularly the Queen variety, has emerged as the flagship horticulture export due to its exceptional sweetness, golden-yellow colour, and distinct aroma, making it highly preferred in global fruit markets.
Export highlights
| Season | Export Volume (MT) | Destination Countries |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 40 | UAE, Qatar |
| 2023 | 55 | UAE, Oman, Bahrain |
| 2024 | 73 | UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia |
The rise in export volumes reflects improved cultivation, post-harvest management, and government facilitation of international logistics.
Why Tripura pineapples are globally competitive
- Queen pineapple’s USP: Naturally sweet with high Brix value (between 15-18), fibreless core, and long shelf life.
- Organic cultivation: Minimal use of chemical fertilisers enhances consumer trust in health-conscious markets.
- Geographical advantage: Agro-climatic conditions in Tripura allow consistent harvest from May to August, bridging seasonal gaps in Middle Eastern markets.
- Government interventions: Training in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and establishment of pack houses under schemes like MIDH and APEDA boost export readiness.
State government’s vision for global branding
Tripura’s horticulture department, under the leadership of Chief Minister Manik Saha, has proposed aggressive branding initiatives to establish ‘Tripura Queen Pineapple’ as a global GI-tagged brand, similar to Alphonso mango or Nagpur orange.
Key initiatives planned:
- GI registration push to protect branding and increase value realisation.
- Dedicated pineapple export clusters under ODOP (One District One Product) scheme.
- Branding tie-ups with leading Gulf importers for promotional campaigns in UAE supermarkets.
- Introduction of processed pineapple products such as canned slices, juice, jam, and dehydrated cubes to diversify export basket.
Global pineapple market potential
According to FAO and UN Comtrade data, pineapple remains one of the top five traded tropical fruits globally, with a market value crossing USD 10 billion in 2024. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries import large volumes due to negligible domestic production, creating natural demand for Indian pineapples.
Major pineapple exporting countries (2024)
| Country | Export Volume (MT) | Key Markets |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | 1,800,000 | US, EU, GCC |
| Philippines | 650,000 | Japan, China, GCC |
| Thailand | 450,000 | China, Korea, GCC |
| India | 110,000 | GCC, Bangladesh, Nepal |
Tripura’s share in India’s pineapple output
Tripura ranks among India’s top pineapple-producing states along with Assam, Meghalaya, and West Bengal.
| State | Production (2023, MT) | Key Varieties |
|---|---|---|
| West Bengal | 580,000 | Queen, Kew |
| Assam | 310,000 | Kew, Giant Kew |
| Tripura | 180,000 | Queen |
| Meghalaya | 150,000 | Kew |
Tripura alone contributes nearly 20% of India’s total Queen pineapple production.
Farmers’ perspectives on export growth
Local pineapple growers in villages near Mohanpur and Kumarghat said the exports have brought better prices, assured offtake, and reduced exploitation by middlemen. Previously sold at ₹10-12 per piece in local markets, export-linked contracts now fetch farmers ₹18-25 per piece, improving incomes.
A progressive farmer, Dulal Debbarma from West Tripura, shared:
“Earlier, we were dependent on local traders and had no bargaining power. Exports have given us confidence to invest in maintaining uniform size, grading, and packing standards.”
Challenges ahead
Despite its promise, Tripura’s pineapple sector faces hurdles:
- Inadequate cold chain infrastructure between farms and airports or seaports.
- Limited cargo flights from Agartala airport to Gulf nations, leading to delays and cost escalation.
- Dependency on neighbouring states’ logistics hubs, particularly Kolkata and Guwahati, affecting profit margins.
- Absence of large-scale processing industries within the state for value addition and reducing wastage during peak harvests.
Way forward: Government and private sector synergy
Experts suggest a multi-pronged strategy to convert Tripura’s pineapple cultivation into a robust export-oriented agri-industry:
- Establishing mega food parks with pineapple processing units for juice, concentrate, and packaged slices.
- Upgrading pack house capacities with cold storage and vapour heat treatment facilities to meet phytosanitary standards.
- Training farmers in global Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification, enabling direct exports.
- Branding initiatives in Gulf retail chains showcasing Tripura as India’s pineapple capital.
Expert views on Tripura’s pineapple potential
- APEDA official: “Tripura’s Queen pineapple has the potential to command premium prices if integrated into organised retail in Gulf nations.”
- Export logistics consultant: “Introducing reefer container movement from Agartala to Kolkata port could reduce transit time by half.”
Conclusion
Tripura’s success in exporting 73 MT of pineapples to Gulf countries marks a transformative milestone for the state’s horticulture sector. It is a testament to India’s focus on NE region agri-export development and a potential case study for integrating small growers with global value chains.
With branding efforts, logistics upgrades, and strategic processing investments, Tripura’s Queen pineapple can emerge as a global tropical fruit brand, enhancing farmer incomes while diversifying India’s horticulture export basket in the years ahead.
Disclaimer
This article is based on official state horticulture department data, farmer interviews, and market insights up to July 2025. Export figures and trade values are indicative. Readers are advised to verify with government notifications or trade databases for business and policy decisions.
