Agartala, 05 December 2025 (ANN) — The government of Tripura is preparing to set up a dedicated auction centre for pineapples, a move that came into focus during a review meeting of the Tripura Small Industries Corporation (TSIC) held on December 5. The auction hub is seen as a key step to scale up sales of the state’s prized Queen Pineapple — and expand its footprint in national and international markets.

At the meeting, Chief Minister Manik Saha highlighted the need to build industries around the state’s natural resources, including pineapples, forest products, tea, and rubber. He underscored the importance of sustainable and environment-friendly production, signalling a shift toward agro-industrial development based on state produce. Among the proposals submitted to TSIC — in addition to the auction centre — were launching a pineapple festival to promote the fruit and exploring facilities for spice processing and value-added agro-products.

Tripura, one of India’s leading pineapple producers, cultivates both Queen and Kew varieties, with the Queen Pineapple receiving a Geographical Indication tag and being declared the state fruit in 2018.

Tripura officials believe an organised auction system could help streamline sales, draw large buyers, standardise pricing, and improve returns for farmers — especially those cultivating the Queen variety, which enjoys a recognised identity.
_________________________________________________________________________