Fruit Processing

The agro-climatic conditions in Tripura are ideally suited for production of a large variety of horticultural crops. The "Queen" and "Kew" varieties of pineapple, oranges, lichis and cashew of Tripura are well known in the rest of the country. These products are also free of any chemical residue. The present estimated annual production level of major horticultural crops is as under:

• Pineapple : 45000 MT
• Lichi : 3000 MT
• Orange : 24000 MT
• Cashew : 1800 MT
• Jackfruit : 22000 MT
• Coconut : 1250 MT

The production can be further increased, if demand is created by setting up Fruit Processing units.

The Fruit Processing industry in Tripura is still at a nascent stage. As regards pineapple processing, NERAMAC (a Government of India undertaking), has set up a modern Pineapple Juice Concentrate Plant at Nalkata in North Tripura District, with a processing capacity of about 5760 TPA. The Plant at Nalkata is operating at a low level due to non-operation of aseptic filter. However, the same is being rectified and natural juice concentrate will be available from the pineapple season of this millenium year. TSIC (a state government undertaking), is also operating a small Fruit Canning factory, producing fresh canned pineapple juice and other pineapple products. The factory has processing capacity of 400 TPA. Cashew Processing has also been taken up by NERAMAC by setting up a small unit. As regards other fruit products, proper processing facilities are yet to be created. This offers a vast scope for setting up of Fruit Processing units in Tripura.