Tripura's Queen Pineapple

Tripura is a state in northeastern India. it is one of the largest pineapple growing states in country. The pineapple is a tropical plant with an edible fruit, also called pineapples. In a 100-gram reference amount, raw pineapple is a rich source of manganese. Queen pineapple is spiny, golden yellow in colour. Its sweetness and unique aroma differentiates it from pineapples of other states of Northeast region. It had received Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2015.

The hilly terrain, tropical climatic conditions with an annual rainfall of about 2500 mm, fertile soil and abundant moisture is ideally suited for rainfed horticulture. Tripura is heavily invested in organic farming availing the even distribution of rainfall and non-application of pesticides or fertilizers. The rich soil on the hillocks is conducive for the cultivation of fruit crops like pineapple, jackfruit, orange, litchi, cashew nut, coconut, lime and lemon that are grown in abundance here.

The famed Tripura Queen Pineapple which is also the state fruit is a much revered crop of the farmers. There is a local saying that, “The pineapple would never betray them” – meaning that even if any other crop fails because of unfavourable circumstances, the pineapple will stand tall being the viable crop for survival providing substantial income each year. This strong faith of the Darlongs, a sub-tribe of Mizos residing in the Nalkata area of Kumarghat Block of North Tripura district is contributory in ensuring bumper pineapple crops in their settlement.