Lakhipur Pineapple Project Gets Rs. 1.64 Crore NITI Aayog Grant For Zero-Waste Innovation

In a major boost to agri-based innovation and sustainable livelihood generation in Cachar district, NITI Aayog has approved a grant of Rs. 1.64 crore for the Lakhipur Zero-Waste Pineapple Innovation Project under the Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP) and Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP).

The approval was accorded during the 47th meeting of the Empowered Committee of Secretaries for ADP and ABP held on November 20, 2025, under the chairmanship of the CEO, NITI Aayog.

The decision was formally communicated on January 2, 2026, by the Under Secretary to the Government of India (Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme).

The sanctioned project will be implemented in the Lakhipur Block of Cachar district and involves the establishment of a Zero-Waste Pineapple Innovation Hub with a project duration of one year and three months. With a total outlay of Rs. 1,64,00,000, the initiative aims to promote value addition, employment generation and environmental sustainability through optimum utilisation of pineapple produce and its by-products.

The project is expected to strengthen the local pineapple value chain by encouraging processing, innovation and skill development. It will create new livelihood opportunities for farmers, women self-help groups and rural youth, while adopting a zero-waste approach to minimise environmental impact.

Welcoming the approval, District Commissioner, Cachar, Mridul Yadav, IAS, described the sanction as a milestone for the district’s agrarian economy. He stated that the Rs 1.64 crore grant for pineapple processing and zero-waste innovation in Lakhipur Block is a landmark step towards sustainable rural development, which will not only enhance the value addition of locally grown pineapples but also generate employment and empower farmers and entrepreneurs. He further affirmed that the Cachar district is committed to the effective implementation of the project in alignment with the vision of NITI Aayog.

With this approval, Lakhipur joins the growing list of Aspirational Blocks leveraging targeted central support to unlock local potential and advance inclusive, sustainable and outcome-driven development.

Simply put, the central government is investing Rs. 1.64 crore to help Lakhipur diversify its pineapple production, create jobs, reduce waste, and foster a sustainable local economy.

With inputs from the press release issued by the Regional Office of Information and Public Relations, Barak Valley Zone, Silchar.