Agartala, June 23: In a significant boost to Tripura’s organic farming sector, a consignment of 1,200 Queen variety pineapples from Taidu under Teliamura sub-division was dispatched to New Delhi on Monday. The initiative aims to ensure better market access and fair pricing for local farmers under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER), Phase-IV.
The pineapples, cultivated organically by farmers of Ampi block, were procured and sold by Thansa Organic Producer Company Ltd to One India Organic, New Delhi. The marketing and logistics were facilitated by the Sikkim State Co-operative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd (SIMFED), which has played a key role in linking producers to national markets.
The consignment was officially flagged off from Agartala railway station in the presence of several dignitaries including SIMFED project in-charge Chayanika Bhowmik, Superintendent of Agriculture (Ampi) Nibash Debbarma, ADA Pinku Debbarma of TSOFDA, and officials from the SARS complex, A.D. Nagar.
Officials said the initiative was taken to increase profitability for local pineapple growers. While the local market price per Queen pineapple is around ₹20, under this direct marketing channel farmers are receiving ₹30 per piece — marking a significant 50% increase in income.
“This collaboration ensures farmers receive better returns without middlemen, encouraging more growers to shift towards organic and sustainable practices,” said an official from SIMFED.
The Queen variety of pineapple from Tripura is highly valued for its aroma and sweetness and has been gaining traction in national and international markets. With consistent efforts like these, Tripura is steadily emerging as a key player in India’s organic fruit export landscape.