Tripura has exported organic agricultural products worth Rs 17 crore to domestic and international markets, reflecting the growing demand for the state’s farm produce. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced this on Monday after reviewing organic farming, production, and marketing initiatives under the MOVCDNER project in Agartala.
The Minister also flagged off a consignment of 1,000 Queen pineapples for Delhi and reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing organic cultivation, improving farmers’ incomes, and expanding market access for Tripura’s agricultural products.
Quick Glance
- Tripura exported organic products worth Rs 17 crore to domestic and overseas markets.
- The state currently has 53 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), up from just two before 2018.
- Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath flagged off 1,000 Queen pineapples for Delhi.
- A Rs 234-crore project is underway to strengthen processing, value addition, and marketing infrastructure.
The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department held a comprehensive review meeting at the Tripura State Agricultural Research Centre in Arundhutinagar, Agartala. The meeting evaluated the progress of organic farming activities under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER).
Officials reviewed production trends, marketing performance, and plans to expand access to new markets. The department also assessed strategies to improve value chains and increase the competitiveness of Tripura’s organic products.
During the programme, Minister Nath interacted directly with organic farmers and representatives of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). He listened to their concerns, experiences, and recommendations regarding production, logistics, and market opportunities.
Farmers’ Income Remains the Top Priority
Addressing the media after the meeting, Nath said increasing farmers’ earnings remains one of the government’s primary objectives.
He highlighted the rapid growth of Farmer Producer Companies in the state. According to the Minister, Tripura had only two FPCs before 2018. Today, the number has expanded to 53.
The growth of these organizations has helped farmers improve collective marketing, gain better access to markets, and strengthen agricultural entrepreneurship across the state.
The Minister stressed that organic farming not only improves income opportunities but also helps preserve soil fertility and environmental sustainability.
Demand Growing for Tripura’s Specialty Organic Products
Tripura has emerged as a key producer of several niche organic crops. The government is promoting products that possess strong market potential both within India and abroad.
These products include:
- Kalikhasa rice
- Harinarayan rice
- Scented lemon
- Queen pineapple
- Kew pineapple
- Bird’s eye chilli
- Ginger
- Sesame
According to Nath, buyers increasingly prefer these products because of their quality and organic cultivation practices.
The Minister said the growing demand reflects the credibility of Tripura’s organic farming ecosystem and the hard work of local farmers.
Key Figures from Tripura’s Organic Farming Push
| Indicator | Details |
|---|---|
| Organic exports value | Rs 17 crore |
| Farmer Producer Companies before 2018 | 2 |
| Current Farmer Producer Companies | 53 |
| Queen pineapples flagged off for Delhi | 1,000 |
| Pineapple shipment | 1 Metric Ton |
| Development project value | Rs 234 crore |
| International Pineapple Day | June 27 |
Queen Pineapple Takes Centre Stage
One of the major highlights of the programme was the dispatch of premium-quality Queen pineapples to New Delhi.
The Minister flagged off a one-metric-ton consignment produced by Bokhari Organic Producers of Mandai. The shipment aims to strengthen Tripura’s presence in premium fruit markets.
Queen pineapple remains one of the state’s most recognized agricultural products. Its unique sweetness, aroma, and quality have helped it gain popularity among consumers across India.
The government plans to leverage this reputation to expand sales and create better returns for farmers.
Rs 234-Crore Project to Strengthen Marketing Infrastructure
Nath informed that a Rs 234-crore project is currently under implementation with support from the Central Government and the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER).
The initiative focuses on improving:
- Processing facilities
- Value addition infrastructure
- Marketing networks
- Supply chain management
- Export promotion activities
Officials believe the project will help farmers secure better prices while improving the competitiveness of Tripura’s organic products.
International Pineapple Day to Showcase Tripura’s Strength
The Minister also announced that Tripura will celebrate International Pineapple Day in Delhi on June 27.
The event aims to promote the state’s flagship fruit before a wider national audience. It will also provide an opportunity to connect growers and producer groups with buyers and distributors from different parts of the country.
Officials expect the event to create new business opportunities for pineapple farmers and FPOs.
News Analysis
The latest export figures indicate that Tripura’s organic farming strategy is gradually delivering tangible economic results. The increase in Farmer Producer Companies from two to 53 suggests significant institutional growth in the agricultural sector.
The government’s focus on high-value crops such as Queen pineapple, bird’s eye chilli, and ginger aligns with market demand trends. Moreover, the Rs 234-crore infrastructure project could address critical gaps in processing and marketing.
However, sustaining growth will require continuous investment in logistics, branding, and market connectivity. Since Tripura has limited cultivable land, productivity enhancement and value addition will likely play a crucial role in future expansion.
The planned International Pineapple Day celebration in Delhi reflects a broader strategy to position Tripura’s agricultural products in premium markets and strengthen the state’s export footprint.