Agartala: The Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR) Tripura Center has developed a scientific method of cultivating a variety of relatively large and long-lasting pineapples. It has been named as ‘Climate Resilient Pineapple Production Technology’.
The researchers at the horticulture branch of the ICAR Tripura Center at Lembuchhara have developed this method of pineapple cultivation.
Speaking with reporters, Biswajit Das, principal scientist horticulture, said that this method of cultivation was developed keeping two issues in mind.
Also Read: Tripura lockdown: CM shares video offering ginger-water to mother, netizens follow suit
“Pineapples are being cultivated in the traditional way in the state. As a result, the amount of pineapple production is comparatively less, even the size of the pineapple is also relatively small,” Das said.
He also said that the queen pineapple of Tripura has got the geographical identification (GI) tag. As a result, the demand for queen pineapples produced in the state is increasing gradually from across the world.
“Issues like deterioration is one of the major obstacles for these pineapples to export to distant lands. In order to ensure that these pineapples don’t not spoil quickly, such concept is being conceptualized,” Das added.
Also Read: Now, Tripura to export queen pineapples with unique tags, logo
“The queen pineapple weighs around 600 gm and Kew pineapples weigh around 700 gram to 1 kg. If the cultivation is done in a resilient method, queen pineapple weighs from 1 kg to 1,200 gram and Kew pineapple weighs 1.5 kg to 2 kg. This method will benefit the farmers and the income of the farmers will be doubled as compared to the traditional method,” Das said.
He also said that climate resilient pineapple production technology allows farmers to cultivate both organically or chemically.
Also Read: Flood situation in Assam improves
“To cultivate pineapples organically, one has to use organic fertilizers and pesticides from land preparation to harvesting. Similarly, it is possible to cultivate by using chemicals. Plantation in a certain distance results in proper growth and development. Farmers can feed plants through spray machines even in the dry seasons easily,” Das added.
The Climate Resilient Pineapple Production method prevents rapid rotting of pineapple while exporting. By using this technology, the pineapple is strengthened and the quality is maintained for a longer period.
Also Read: Govt’s flagship aviation scheme has not delivered for Northeast
