Tripura successfully exported the first consignment of jackfruit to the United Kingdom, said officials from the state's horticulture department. Previously the state has been successfully exporting pineapples and lemons to Middle Eastern countries.
Dr Phani Bhusan Jamatia, Horticulture Director, said that the consignment was sent to Guwahati on Thursday by train next to be transported to the United Kingdom via Delhi.
“The Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) sent us a proposal to export Tripura jackfruit. As a result, a Guwahati-based company, Kiega Exims Pvt Ltd, was contacted, which collaborated with another organisation, Krishi Sanyoga Agro Producer Co Ltd from Melaghar in the Sepahijala district, to connect with farmers in Tripura,” Jamatia explained.
Jamatia further mentioned that 350 jackfruit weighing 3 to 4 kg were sent in the trial run, for which the farmers were paid Rs 30 per piece by the company. “The Tripura jackfruit has a unique flavour, so the company expressed interest in obtaining them from our farmers,” Jamatia explained.
“The APEDA, which is part of the ministry of commerce and industry, will practically flag off the consignment from New Delhi on Friday,” according to Tripura horticulture secretary CK Jamatia. Besides that, Tripura agriculture minister Pranajit Singha Roy said that England will experience Tripura's sweet jackfruit for the first time because the state is exporting them for the very first time.
"England to taste the sweet fruits of Tripura. Tripura exports jackfruit for the first time with enormous potentiality. Shipped first consignment. Jackfruits are now in the export list after state queen pineapples. Kudos to our Department of Farmers, Agriculture and Horticulture," wrote Roy on Twitter.
Tripura exports pineapples successfully to Dubai and to other areas of the Middle East prior to 2019. Three varieties, Kew, Queen and Bombay are produced in the country. Queen pineapples are the most exotic and most demanded.
Pineapple is grown in 8,800 hectares of Tripura, according to the latest statistics from the department of horticulture. About 4,000 farmers participate directly in fruit cultivation.
