Photo Courtesy: tripuratimes
Agartala: Tripura just sent 18.7 metric tonnes of certified organic aromatic rice to Europe. It is the state’s first export of its kind. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath flagged off the shipment at a National Programme for Organic Production sensitisation event at Pragna Bhaban in Agartala on Wednesday.
Pratithi Organic Foods Pvt Ltd handled the logistics for the consignment. The shipment includes 10 tonnes of Harinarayan rice, 6 tonnes of black rice, 1.5 tonnes of sticky rice, and 1.2 tonnes of Kalikhasa rice. Nath claimed the move opens doors for local farmers. "The export marked an important milestone in the state’s efforts to connect farmers with international markets," he said.
The state now manages 26,600 hectares of land under organic cultivation. Official records show 14,411 hectares are fully registered, 2,002 hectares are undergoing conversion, and another 10,189 hectares remain under consideration. To support this growth, the government established 53 Farmer Producer Companies to boost collective bargaining power.
Tripura’s organic footprint is expanding fast. Products like ginger, scented lemon, bird’s eye chilli, and the GI-tagged Queen Pineapple already reach markets in Germany, Dubai, Oman, and Bangladesh, as well as domestic hubs like Delhi, Maharashtra, Bengaluru, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Guwahati. Local farmers also cultivate turmeric, mustard, sesame, foxtail millet, and Kew pineapple.
The government provides support through the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region. Senior officials including APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev and NABARD General Manager Tanushri Bhattacharya attended the launch to highlight the focus on training and certification.
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