Photo Courtesy: tripuratimes
Agartala: Tripura shipped its first overseas order of honey on Monday. The milestone marks a major turn for the state’s agricultural sector. Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced the news at the International Organic Buyer-Seller Meet in Agartala. He pointed to the Madhuban region in North Tripura as a budding center for honey production. The minister expects these shipments to grow in volume soon.
Organic cultivation has exploded in the state. The total area farmed organically climbed from 2,000 hectares to 26,000 hectares under the current administration. Roughly 47,000 farmers now drive this movement. Farming accounts for 48 percent of the Gross State Domestic Product, significantly outpacing the 41 percent contribution from the service sector.
The government is pushing local goods into international markets through Farmer Producer Organisations and Farmer Producer Companies. These groups bridge the gap between small-scale growers and global buyers. During the event, 51 buyers from Germany, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, and Egypt scouted local goods. High demand led to confirmed orders totaling 1,000 metric tonnes for export outside the state.
While honey took center stage, the state's famous Queen Pineapple, Sabri banana, jackfruit, aromatic lemon, pumpkin, ginger, and turmeric also drew interest. One international delegate shared their enthusiasm, stating, "I never tasted such pineapple before. I am very excited and grateful to be here and taste these lovely fruits and other items."
The event hosted several dignitaries including APEDA consultant Dr. Tarun Bajaj, Secretary Apurba Roy, IFOAM Organics Asia Executive Director Jennifer Chang, and TSOFDA officials Rajib Debbarma and Phani Bhushan Jamatia.
Updated at 10th August 2026 at 9:51pm
The inaugural 1,000 kg honey shipment touched down in the United Arab Emirates. Officials credited the state Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department and the Horticulture Department for providing the support necessary to clear that first hurdle into a foreign market.
The event took place at Hotel Polo Towers in Agartala. While the initial count of international visitors grew to include buyers from Italy, Argentina, and Greece, the meeting itself was organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Ministers pinned the expansion on a push to double farmers income by focusing on certified, export-ready goods.
Updated at 11th August 2026 at 1:50am
The inaugural 1,000 kg honey shipment touched down in the United Arab Emirates. Officials credited the state Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department and the Horticulture Department for providing the support necessary to clear that first hurdle into a foreign market.
The event took place at Hotel Polo Towers in Agartala. While the initial count of international visitors grew to include buyers from Italy, Argentina, and Greece, the meeting itself was organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Ministers pinned the expansion on a push to double farmers income by focusing on certified, export-ready goods.
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