Tripura to Host Global Pineapple Festival 2026 in New Delhi

AGARTALA — The government of Tripura will host the inaugural Global Pineapple Festival 2026 in New Delhi from June 27 to June 29, 2026. Announced by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, the three-day event at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium aims to elevate the profile of the state's prized "Queen" pineapple variety and strengthen market access for local farmers and food processors.

The festival, which coincides with International Pineapple Day, is part of a broader strategic initiative to position Tripura as a leading hub for high-value agricultural exports. By bringing together farmers, exporters, policymakers, and international buyers, the state government seeks to transform Tripura’s agricultural potential into a globally competitive brand.

Promoting the 'Queen' Pineapple

The festival will serve as a primary platform for showcasing the GI-tagged Queen pineapple, which is celebrated for its intense sweetness, distinct aroma, and low fiber content. Alongside the Queen variety, the Kew pineapple will also be featured.

Beyond fresh fruit, the exhibition will highlight the state’s burgeoning value-added industry. Attendees can explore a diverse range of products, including:

• Processed Goods: Jams, jellies, juices, and canned pineapple products.

• Innovative Culinary Creations: Pineapple-infused chocolates and gourmet North Eastern dishes.

• Bio-Economy Products: Textiles and yarn derived from pineapple leaves, demonstrating the state's focus on sustainable, circular economy practices.

Strategic Infrastructure and Growth

The festival aligns with the recently launched "Mission Queen Pineapple," a ₹236-crore initiative supported by the Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and the Union Ministry of Agriculture. According to official government releases, the mission aims to build an integrated "Hub and Spoke" ecosystem, including a central processing hub near Agartala airport and eight collection centers across key districts such as West Tripura, Khowai, and Sepahijala.

"According to officials, the festival is intended to bridge the gap between farmgate production and international markets, addressing long-standing challenges in cold-chain infrastructure and export-led logistics," as stated in the mission's implementation roadmap.

Why It Matters

For Tripura, this event is more than a cultural celebration; it is a tactical effort to enhance farmers' incomes through value addition. With pineapple production spanning over 12,000 hectares, the state has already begun exporting its harvest to markets in Dubai, Germany, Oman, and Russia. By hosting the event in the national capital, the Tripura government expects to facilitate direct linkages between local tribal growers and global corporate buyers, fostering new investment in agro-processing technology.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Event Dates: June 27–29, 2026.

• Venue: Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.

• Key Focus: Showcasing the GI-tagged 'Queen' pineapple and value-added derivatives.

• Strategic Goal: Investment attraction and export expansion under the ₹236-crore Mission Queen Pineapple.

• Co-alignment: The festival is timed to celebrate International Pineapple Day.

FAQ

What makes Tripura's Queen pineapple special?

The Queen pineapple is GI-tagged and recognized for its superior quality, golden-yellow hue, exceptional sweetness, and low fiber content, making it highly sought after in international markets.

Who is the primary target audience for the festival?

The event targets a wide spectrum of stakeholders, including farmers, food processing entrepreneurs, international exporters, investors, and the general public interested in North Eastern culinary traditions.

How does this festival help farmers?

The festival facilitates buyer-seller meets, allowing farmers to bypass intermediaries and engage directly with exporters and processors, thereby securing better returns for their produce.

Source: UNI India, Tripurainfo, PIB Delhi, The Indian Express