Tripura has opened a new chapter in its agricultural export drive after 18.7 metric tonnes of organic aromatic rice were dispatched to Europe, giving local farmers a fresh opportunity to access high-value international buyers.
Key Takeaways:
- Tripura has exported 18.7 MT of organic aromatic rice to Europe for the first time.
- The shipment includes Kalikhasa, sticky, black and Harinarayan rice.
- The state government says organic farming is being expanded through certification, farmer organisations and market linkages.
Tripura has made its first major shipment of organic aromatic rice to the European market, marking a significant step in the state’s effort to turn organic agriculture into an export-oriented rural economy.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath flagged off 18.7 metric tonnes of organic rice for Europe through Pratithi Organic Foods Pvt. Ltd. The consignment comprises four varieties: Kalikhasa, sticky rice, black rice and Harinarayan rice.
The export was announced at a sensitisation programme on the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) at Pragna Bhaban in Agartala.
First European shipment marks export milestone
The European shipment represents a new market opportunity for Tripura’s organic farmers. It also highlights the state’s growing focus on linking agricultural production with international demand.
The consignment contains 1.2 MT of Kalikhasa rice, 1.5 MT of sticky rice, 6 MT of black rice and 10 MT of Harinarayan rice.
Nath said the development reflects the combined efforts of farmers, government agencies and market partners. He also pointed to growing international interest in Tripura’s agricultural products.
The minister said organic farming could become an important source of rural prosperity if farmers gain access to reliable certification systems and high-value markets.
Tripura seeks bigger role in organic exports
Tripura already sends several agricultural products to markets within India and abroad. The state has promoted aromatic rice, ginger, scented lemon, bird’s eye chilli and Queen Pineapple among its key products.
According to Nath, Tripura’s agricultural products have reached major Indian markets in Delhi, Maharashtra, Bengaluru, Gujarat, West Bengal and Guwahati.
Some products have also entered international markets, including Germany, Dubai, Oman and Bangladesh.
The latest European rice shipment could strengthen this emerging export network. It also gives local producers an opportunity to build experience in meeting the quality and certification requirements of overseas buyers.
Organic farming expands across the state
The government is also expanding the area covered by organic farming initiatives.
Nath said 26,600 hectares are currently under organic cultivation-related initiatives during the tenure of the present government. Of this, 14,411 hectares are registered, while 2,002 hectares remain under conversion. Another 10,189 hectares are under consideration.
The state has also formed 53 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs). These organisations aim to help farmers work collectively, improve market access and strengthen their position in the agricultural value chain.
Government-supported programmes have encouraged farmers to adopt organic methods across several crops. These include aromatic and sticky rice, ginger, turmeric, bird’s eye chilli, mustard, sesame, foxtail millet and pineapple.
Traditional farming meets modern certification
Nath said organic agriculture in Tripura has roots in traditional farming practices.
Farmers have historically used methods such as crop rotation, mixed farming and organic compost. Natural pest-management practices have also included neem-based preparations, cow dung manure and biological controls.
The government now wants to combine these practices with formal certification and modern market systems.
The minister said this approach can help Tripura’s producers meet international quality standards while preserving environmentally sustainable farming practices.
The Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) and other initiatives have supported the development of organic value chains in the state.
Government eyes global demand for Tripura produce
The state government sees international markets as an important avenue for increasing the value of agricultural production.
Nath said the government is supporting farmers through training, certification assistance and targeted schemes. The objective is to encourage cultivation of products that have strong demand and better price potential in domestic and overseas markets.
He also stressed the need to strengthen partnerships among farmer organisations, exporters, institutions and international buyers.
The first 18.7 MT organic rice export to Europe therefore carries significance beyond a single shipment. It signals Tripura’s attempt to move further up the agricultural value chain and establish a stronger identity for its organic produce in global markets.
The programme was attended by APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev, IAS; Tripura Agriculture Secretary Apurba Roy, IAS; APEDA Secretary Dr Saswati Bose; Director of Agriculture Dr Phani Bhusan Jamatia; TSOFDA Mission Director Rajib Debbarma; NABARD General Manager Tanushri Bhattacharya and other officials.