Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has sent a consignment of 600 premium ‘Kew’ pineapples to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as a goodwill gesture. The consignment travelled through the Agartala-Akhaura Integrated Check Post (ICP), reinforcing the long-standing tradition of seasonal fruit exchanges and highlighting State’s globally recognised pineapple industry.
Key Takeaways
- Tripura CM gifted 600 ‘Kew’ pineapples to Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman.
- The consignment crossed through the Agartala-Akhaura Integrated Check Post.
- The gesture reciprocates Bangladesh’s recent gift of Hariavanga mangoes.
- Tripura’s ‘Kew’ and GI-tagged ‘Queen’ pineapples remain key horticultural products.
- Pineapple cultivation supports thousands of farmers and strengthens agricultural exports.
Agartala: Tripura has once again used its famous pineapples to strengthen ties with neighbouring Bangladesh.
Chief Minister Manik Saha on Wednesday sent a consignment of the state’s renowned ‘Kew’ variety pineapples to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Officials described the initiative as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between the two neighbours.
The shipment included 100 cartons. Each carton contained six freshly harvested ‘Kew’ pineapples. In total, the state sent 600 premium fruits to Dhaka.
The consignment crossed the border through the Agartala-Akhaura Integrated Check Post (ICP) on the outskirts of Agartala.
Indian High Commission Receives the Consignment
Officials of the Indian High Commission in Dhaka received the consignment at the Agartala-Akhaura ICP. They will oversee its transportation to the Prime Minister’s Office in Dhaka.
Tripura Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department Secretary Apurba Roy remained present during the formal handover of the consignment.
Officials said the pineapples were harvested shortly before dispatch. The quick shipment ensured maximum freshness and quality during transit.
Reciprocal Gesture Follows Bangladesh’s Mango Gift
The latest initiative comes shortly after Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman sent the country’s famous Hariavanga (Haribhanga) mangoes to Chief Minister Manik Saha.
Earlier this month, Bangladesh gifted around 300 kilograms of Hariavanga mangoes to Tripura. Officials of the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala received the consignment at the Agartala-Akhaura Integrated Check Post before facilitating its delivery.
Hariavanga mangoes are widely known for their rich aroma and distinctive taste. Farmers mainly cultivate the variety in Bangladesh’s Rangpur and Dinajpur regions.
The reciprocal exchange continues a long-standing tradition of sharing seasonal fruits between Tripura and Bangladesh. Such exchanges have become a symbol of cultural goodwill and friendly neighbourhood relations.
Tripura’s Pineapple Industry Gains Global Visibility
Tripura ranks among India’s leading pineapple-producing states. Farmers across the state cultivate both the popular ‘Queen’ and ‘Kew’ varieties.
The ‘Queen’ pineapple earned the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2014. The recognition highlighted its unique quality and strong link to Tripura’s geographical identity.
The state government further promoted the fruit by declaring pineapple as Tripura’s official state fruit in 2018.
Agriculture Department data show pineapple cultivation covers nearly 12,000 hectares across the state. Annual production stands at around 1.78 lakh metric tonnes.
The crop has become one of Tripura’s most valuable horticultural products. It generates steady income for thousands of tribal and non-tribal farmers while contributing significantly to the state’s agricultural exports.
Agartala-Akhaura ICP Plays a Strategic Role
The Agartala-Akhaura Integrated Check Post continues to serve as a vital gateway for India-Bangladesh connectivity.
Tripura shares an 856-kilometre international border with Bangladesh and is surrounded by the neighbouring country on three sides. The close geographical connection has made cross-border trade and cultural exchanges an important part of bilateral relations.
Besides agricultural products, the two sides regularly conduct official trade in commodities such as fish, construction materials and beverages.
The latest exchange of premium fruits once again demonstrates how agriculture continues to support diplomacy, regional cooperation and people-to-people ties between Tripura and Bangladesh.
