Tripura exports organic products worth Rs 17 crore, demand rising: Minister
Agartala, June 8
Tripura has exported organic agricultural products worth Rs 17 crore to various parts of the country as well as overseas markets, reflecting the growing demand for the state's organically grown produce, Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Monday.
The Minister said demand for Tripura's organic agricultural products is steadily increasing both in domestic and international markets, and the Agriculture Department is taking sustained measures to boost production and expand market access for farmers.
Nath made the remarks after chairing a review meeting on the production, marketing, and expansion of organic agricultural produce under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) project at the Tripura State Agricultural Research Centre in Arundhutinagar, Agartala.
During the programme, he also interacted with organic farmers and representatives of Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) from different parts of the state, listening to their experiences, challenges, and prospects in organic farming and marketing.
Later, speaking to the media, Nath said the state government's primary objective is to increase farmers' income while simultaneously enhancing agricultural production through sustainable farming practices.
"Before 2018, Tripura had only two Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), but now the number has increased to 53. Our objective is to raise farmers' income and improve their livelihoods. To maintain soil health and promote sustainable agriculture, we are placing special emphasis on organic farming. We are working to double farmers' income through organic cultivation," the Minister said.
He said the state is focusing on cultivating and promoting several high-value organic crops, including Kalikhasa rice, Harinarayan rice, scented lemon, Queen and Kew varieties of pineapple, bird's eye chilli, ginger, and sesame.
"The demand for our organic products is increasing steadily. Tripura's organic produce is gaining recognition in different markets because of its quality and authenticity," Nath said.
He informed that the Agriculture Department has so far facilitated the export of organic products worth Rs 17 crore to various states across the country and to foreign destinations.
"Today, we also flagged off a consignment of 1,000 Queen pineapples for Delhi. We are committed to expanding organic crop cultivation across the state. Tripura's products are genuinely organic, and our farmers are working tirelessly to maintain quality standards. Farmer-Producer Organisations and the Agriculture Department are continuously working together to strengthen the organic farming ecosystem," the Minister said.
Nath further said the state has witnessed a growing demand for products such as bird's eye chilli, ginger, turmeric, and pineapple across different markets.
"We have a Rs 234-crore project being implemented with support from the Central government and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) to strengthen marketing, processing, and value-addition infrastructure," he noted.
According to the Minister, on June 27, Tripura will observe International Pineapple Day in Delhi to further promote the state's flagship fruit. Despite having limited cultivable land, efforts are being made to increase production of organic agricultural products and expand their market reach, he added.
As part of the programme, the Minister flagged off a shipment of one metric tonne of premium-quality 'Queen' variety pineapple produced by Bokhari Organic Producers, an organic growers' collective based in Mandai, for transportation to New Delhi.
Senior officials, including the Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Department Secretary, Apurba Roy, the Tripura Organic Mission Director, Rajib Debbarma, and other departmental officers, were present at the programme.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I'm happy to see Tripura focusing on organic farming, but I hope the benefits actually reach the small farmers, not just the big FPOs. Increasing FPCs from 2 to 53 is good, but we need to ensure fair prices for the actual farmers. Still, a positive step towards sustainable agriculture.
Queen pineapple from Tripura to Delhi! ❤️ I've tasted them once - they're truly premium, sweet and aromatic. The Rs 234 crore project with MDoNER support sounds promising. If we can market our local produce well, states like Tripura can become organic hubs. Kudos to the farmers!
I appreciate the government's efforts under MOVCDNER, but we also need to focus on branding and quality certification. Organic products from the Northeast often face trust issues in the market. The International Pineapple Day event in Delhi on June 27 is a good idea to promote awareness.
Great to see Tripura's organic produce getting recognition. Kalikhasa rice and Harinarayan rice are traditional varieties that need preservation too. I just hope the Rs 234 crore project is implemented transparently and efficiently, without any leakage. Farmers deserve the best support for sustainable livelihoods.
As an Indian living abroad, this is heartening to see. The demand for organic products is huge internationally, and Tripura's authentic produce can capture premium markets. The government's focus on soil health and sustainable farming is the right approach. Hope this scales up further!
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