Agartala: May 16: In a major milestone for Tripura’s horticulture sector, a consignment of premium Queen variety pineapples from Bishalgarh was airlifted to New Delhi on Monday — the first-ever such dispatch from the region to the national capital. The 150 kg consignment was sent through a Farmer Producer Company with support from the International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA), Bengaluru.
Harvested from the Badyardighi area of Bishalgarh in Sepahijala district, the pineapples were specially requested by a Delhi-based businessman. They are expected to be served to an international delegation and top dignitaries, giving Tripura’s produce national exposure.
The flag-off event saw participation from Bishalgarh MLA Sushanta Deb, Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Atashi Das, and other local representatives. Horticulture officials, including Superintendent Himanish Laskar and Sector Officer Prabir Dutta, expressed satisfaction that years of groundwork are now delivering real benefits to farmers.
Farmer Hanif Mia, who cultivates pineapples on a one-hectare plot, shared that he has already earned ₹70,000 this season. With technical and financial support from the Bishalgarh Horticulture Sub-Division, he and others are experiencing renewed optimism in farming.
MLA Deb credited the BJP-IPFT government for initiating strategic marketing and cultivation reforms after coming to power in 2018. He said that the focus on promoting fruits like pineapple, lemon, and jackfruit — alongside efforts to reclaim fallow land — is helping transform rural livelihoods.
He also lauded Agriculture Minister Ratanlal Nath, calling him a source of inspiration for youth despite being 79 years old. Deb expressed hope that with continued support, other naturally grown fruits from Bishalgarh — including lemons and mangoes — will also find their place in high-value markets across India and abroad.
