Tripura’s succulent organic fruit, Queen Pineapple achieved a significant milestone with the inauguration of its marketing centre at Delhi Haat Mela, New Delhi on Thursday (May 18).
The taste of the pineapple which holds the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) status rocked the mela and won the hearts of visitors with its distinctive taste and aroma.
The ceremony was graced by Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. Ratanlal Nath, Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Parliamentary Affairs of Tripura was also in attendance.
During the event, Minister Tomar emphasized the Government of India’s commitment to the development of the Northeast region under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He expressed his delight at the progress of development activities in Tripura and other states in the North Eastern region, which has been greatly encouraged by Prime Minister Modi.
The function, jointly organized by the Government of Tripura and the State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation (SIMFED) at Delhi Haat, INA, shed light on the prioritization of the North East as a significant area of focus.
Meantime, in a social media post, Agriculture Minister of Tripura Ratan Lal Nath said that a wide range of pineapple-based products were distributed free of charge among the prominent entrepreneurs, businessmen and tourists present at Delhi Haat. The aroma and delectable taste of the Queen Variety of Pineapple of the State left the visitors enthralled at the Delhi Haat.
“I strongly believe that today’s event will play a historic role in spreading the fame of pineapple, the pride of our state, to the entire world in the near future”, Nath wrote in his post.
He also said discussions have also started with the traders so that pineapple can be commercially popularized throughout the country and exported abroad.
Nath said, a detailed discussion was held with the traders at the Delhi market on Thursday (May 18). The Department of Agriculture has taken the initiative to ensure that the pineapple farmers of the state get the right price for their pineapples.
Speaking on the occasion, Narendra Singh Tomar highlighted the historical neglect faced by the region and the subsequent low budget allocation. However, under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, substantial efforts have been made to address these issues.
The Minister affirmed that the Government of India led by Prime Minister Modi, stands firmly beside the North Eastern states and will continue to work collaboratively with them.
Tomar underscored the immense potential for agriculture and horticulture development in the North East, stating that farmers in the region are reaping the benefits of organic farming.
Dignitaries present at the occasion included Lok Ranjan, Secretary of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, Apoorba Roy, Secretary of Agriculture of Tripura, Sharadindu Das, Director of Agriculture, Fanibhushan Jamatia, Director of Horticulture Department, Rajeev Ashok, Managing Director of Neramac, and Bhaskar Basnet, Managing Director of SIMFED.
Various officials from the Central and Tripura Governments, members of Farmer Producer Companies (FPC), and representatives of organizations associated with the North East were also present to witness the significant milestone.