Bumper pineapple crop in Tripura

Nandanagar (Tripura), May 12 : Pineapple farmers of Tripura have reaped a bumper harvest of the fruit this year.

Favourable climatic conditions have resulted in a bumper crop in more than 5000 square hectares of land under pineapple production.

Farmers say that due to rains during the flowering season, this years' production has been 30-40 per cent more than the previous years.

"The pineapple production is better as compared to last few years because there was rain during the flowering season leading to an abundant production of fruit. Flowers in the absence of sufficient water do not development into fruit. We are happy to get a good price for our crop," said Nares Chandra Dey, a farmer.

The farmers are obviously jubilant, as the total production this year has crossed 108,500 metric tonnes.

"This year we have more pineapples than last year and we will receive a good price for our crop," said Dakshina Marak, another farmer.

The farmers are also rejoicing as they have received export order for pineapples from Italy.

Tripura is one of the largest pineapple growing states in the country and there are more than 100 pineapple orchards spread throughout the state.

The state grows mainly two varieties of pineapples, queen and queue that are renowned world over for their flavour, aroma and sweetness.

ANI