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Tripura Exports 15,000 Scented Lemons to Kolkata, Organic Farming Area Soars

Tripura's Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath flagged off a consignment of 15,000 scented lemons from Agartala to Kolkata. The lemons were cultivated by about 80 farmers across 100 hectares in Khowai district, facilitated by a local entrepreneur. Minister Nath highlighted that the area under organic cultivation in the state has surged from 2,000 hectares before 2018 to over 20,000 hectares currently. The government's focus is on doubling farmers' income by ensuring market access and fair prices through Farmer Producer Companies.

Key Points: Tripura Exports Scented Lemons, Organic Farming Crosses 20,000 Hectares

  • 15,000 scented lemons exported to Kolkata
  • Organic farming area crosses 20,000 hectares
  • Initiative led by local entrepreneur Sourav Gupta
  • Goal to double farmers' income
  • State exports pineapple, jackfruit, ginger to multiple countries
2 min read

Tripura exports 15,000 scented lemons to Kolkata; organic farming crosses 20,000 hectares

Tripura flags off 15,000 scented lemons to Kolkata, as organic farming area expands tenfold since 2018. Minister highlights farmer support and export growth.

"Farmers are our 'Annadata' and deserve the highest respect. Agriculture is the backbone of India. - Ratan Lal Nath"

Agartala, Jan 12

Tripura Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath, on Monday, flagged off a consignment of 15,000 scented lemons from the Agartala Railway Station to Kolkata, marking another milestone in the state's expanding organic farming sector.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that although scented lemons from Tripura had earlier been sent outside the state, this consignment was exported through the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency in collaboration with Baramura Organic Produces Company Limited.

Minister Nath said the lemons were cultivated by around 80 farmers across nearly 100 hectares of land, mainly in the South Hadrai and Hawaibari areas of Khowai district.

He added that the initiative was taken by Sourav Gupta, a resident of Agartala, following the 'Prabashi Tripura' programme held recently under the leadership of Chief Minister Manik Saha.

"Farmers are our 'Annadata' (food providers) and deserve the highest respect. Agriculture is the backbone of India, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly emphasised the need to strengthen this sector by providing all necessary support to farmers. Agriculture remains our first priority," the Minister said, adding that the produce would be marketed in Kolkata.

Minister Nath also said that another consignment of 15,000 scented lemons would be exported shortly.

Highlighting the state's progress in organic farming, the Minister added that the area under organic cultivation in Tripura has increased from around 2,000 hectares before 2018 to more than 20,000 hectares at present.

"Our main objective is to double farmers' income. The state government is supporting farmers by ensuring market access and fair prices through Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs)," he said.

Tripura Assembly Treasury bench Chief Whip Kalyani Saha Roy, Agriculture Secretary Apurba Roy and other senior officials were also present at the event.

Meanwhile, Minister Nath earlier said that over the last seven years (2018 to 2025), the Horticulture Department has exported 73.15 metric tonnes (MT) of pineapple to Dubai, Oman and Qatar.

"In addition, 4.40 MT of jackfruit were exported to the US, while 30 MT of ginger and 17 MT of betel leaf were exported to Bangladesh during the same period," the Minister added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great initiative by Sourav Gupta and the state agency. Organic farming crossing 20,000 hectares is a massive jump from 2,000! This is the real "Make in India" and "Vocal for Local" in action. Farmers truly are our Annadata. More power to them!
A
Aman W
While the export numbers sound good, I hope the 80 farmers involved are actually getting a fair share of the profit. Often in these FPC models, the middlemen or the companies take the lion's share. The government must ensure transparency in pricing all the way to the grower.
S
Sarah B
The export stats to Dubai, Oman, Qatar, US, and Bangladesh are impressive! Tripura is showing how a focused approach on horticulture and organic farming can boost a state's economy. Other states should take note, especially in the Northeast.
K
Karthik V
As someone from Kolkata, I'm excited to try these Tripura scented lemons! We always get great pineapples from there. Supporting organic produce from our own country is much better than importing fancy fruits. Hope they become a regular feature in our markets.
N
Nisha Z
The 'Prabashi Tripura' programme seems to be yielding results. Connecting local entrepreneurs with farmers is key. Doubling farmers' income is a noble goal, but it requires sustained effort beyond photo-ops at railway stations. Hope this supply chain remains robust.

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