Modi Aims to Transform Northeast into Hub for High-Value Agricultural Products, Says Scindia

New Delhi, May 28: Union Minister for Development of Northeastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia announced on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions transforming the Northeast into a major center for high-value agricultural and horticultural products.

Scindia, alongside Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha and the state’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath, launched the ₹236 crore ‘Mission Queen Pineapple, Tripura’ initiative.

He stated, “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, Tripura’s agricultural potential is being transformed into a globally competitive brand.”

The mission aims not only to enhance crop production but also to actively involve farmers in the entire value chain, including production, processing, branding, packaging, and export.

This initiative will be implemented over three years, starting from the second quarter of the 2026 fiscal year to the fourth quarter of the 2028 fiscal year. Its goal is to give global recognition to Tripura’s renowned ‘Queen Pineapple,’ which has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

The mission will be led by the Ministry of Development of Northeastern Region (DoNER) and will coordinate various plans from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of MSME, APEDA, DPIIT, ICAR, CSIR, TRIFED, and the Tripura government.

Scindia emphasized that a robust value chain will be developed from farms to global markets, ensuring better prices for farmers’ produce.

He noted that despite the unique aroma, low fiber texture, and GI identity of Tripura’s Queen Pineapple, farmers currently receive only average crop prices. The mission aims to change this through market connectivity and modern infrastructure.

As part of the mission, a central hub will be developed near Agartala Airport, along with eight collection centers in West Tripura, Khowai, and Sipahijala districts. These centers will feature grading, cold storage, refrigerated logistics, solar cold storage, IoT-based farm monitoring, and digital traceability.

Scindia also mentioned the revival of the Nalkata Pineapple Processing Unit, which will be operated with the help of NEHM and private partners. This unit will focus on large-scale processing and value addition of pineapple-based products.

He added that nearly 60% of the pineapple plant, which is currently discarded, will be utilized through bromelain extraction, pineapple leaf fiber (PALF), and GI-branded products. This will create new employment opportunities for women’s self-help groups, tribal communities, and rural entrepreneurs.