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In a gesture of ongoing 'fruit diplomacy,' Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has sent 500 kilograms of queen pineapples to Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

 

The consignment was dispatched on Sunday through the Agartala-Akhaura international checkpost.

 

The gift comprised 100 boxes, each containing six of the celebrated queen pineapples, known for their exceptional taste and high nutritional value.

 

Sources within the Chief Minister’s Office highlighted that this symbolic exchange aims to reinforce bilateral relations and promote regional cooperation between the two neighbors.

 

The queen pineapple, a product of Tripura’s rich agricultural heritage, was accorded a geographical indication (GI) tag last year.

 

This fruit was declared the state fruit of Tripura by former President Ramnath Kovind in 2018, shortly after the BJP formed its first government in the state.

 

Since then, the tradition of exchanging gifts has been a hallmark of the BJP-led governments, initially under former Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb and now under CM Saha.

 

The tradition has seen Bangladesh reciprocate with its famed hilsa fish, while Tripura has sent mangoes, pineapples, and other fruits. 

 

Tripura has also been expanding its pineapple exports beyond the region, reaching markets in Dubai, Qatar, Bangladesh, and various European countries. 

 

This has provided a significant boost to the local horticulture industry, benefiting over 4,000 pineapple growers in the state.

 

The state produces approximately 1.28 lakh metric tons of pineapples annually, cultivated across 8,800 hectares of both government and private orchards.