Tripura on Monday flagged off its first organic honey consignment to Dubai, marking a new step in the state’s push to expand organic agricultural exports. The 1-metric-tonne shipment from Kanchanpur was launched at an International Organic Buyer-Seller Meet in Agartala.
Key Takeaways
- Tripura flagged off its first 1-metric-tonne organic honey consignment to Dubai on Monday.
- Dergang Agro Fed Producer Company Limited of Kanchanpur produced the honey.
- APEDA-registered Salt Range Foods Private Limited of Guwahati will export the consignment.
- 21 international buyers from nine countries attended the buyer-seller meet in Agartala.
- The state now has around 26,000 hectares under organic cultivation, involving nearly 47,000 farmers, according to Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath.
Agartala August 10: Tripura has taken a significant step towards expanding the international market for its organic agricultural products.
The state flagged off its first export consignment of organic honey to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, at an International Organic Buyer-Seller Meet held at Hotel Polo Towers in Agartala on Monday.
The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department organised the event to connect Tripura’s farmers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), exporters and buyers.
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath attended the programme as the chief guest.
Agriculture Department Secretary Apurba Roy, Director Dr Phani Bhushan Jamatia, APEDA Senior Consultant Dr Tarun Bajaj and IFOAM Executive Director Jennifer Cheng were also present.
The Dubai-bound consignment contains 1 metric tonne, or 1,000 kg, of organic honey.
Dergang Agro Fed Producer Company Limited of Kanchanpur produced the honey. APEDA-registered exporter M/s Salt Range Foods Private Limited of Guwahati will send the consignment to Dubai.
The first overseas shipment marks a new opportunity for honey producers and FPOs in Tripura to explore international markets.
21 International Buyers From Nine Countries
The buyer-seller meet brought together buyers and farmers from different markets.
According to the organisers, more than 60 buyers from India and abroad attended the event. Around 100 farmers from Tripura also participated.
The programme also saw the participation of 21 international buyers from nine countries.
Buyers attended from countries including Germany, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea and Egypt.
The event included technical sessions and business discussions between buyers and sellers. The sessions aimed to create direct market linkages for Tripura’s agricultural and organic products.
Minister Ratan Lal Nath said the presence of international buyers could help Tripura expand its market beyond the state.
12 Stalls Showcase Tripura’s Organic Products
An exhibition area with 12 stalls was inaugurated for FPOs from Tripura.
APEDA and TSOFDA jointly facilitated the exhibition.
The stalls showcased a range of agricultural and organic products from the state.
These included Queen Pineapple, Malai tea, ginger, turmeric and jackfruit, among other products.
Tripura’s Queen Pineapple remains one of the state’s best-known agricultural products. Nath also highlighted the potential of other products, including banana, jackfruit, scented lemon, ginger and turmeric.
The buyer-seller meet gave FPOs an opportunity to present their products directly to potential buyers.
Organic Cultivation Expands to 26,000 Hectares
Nath said Tripura has made substantial progress in organic cultivation.
According to the minister, only around 2,000 hectares of land were under organic cultivation before the present government came to power.
The figure has now increased to around 26,000 hectares, he said.
Nearly 47,000 farmers are currently involved in organic cultivation in the state, according to Nath.
The minister said the government gives priority to farmers at different levels, from rural and district programmes to state and international platforms.
He also credited government agencies and departments for supporting farmers and FPOs in developing the organic sector.
Focus on Farmer Income and Global Markets
Nath said increasing farmers’ income remains a major focus of the government.
He stressed the importance of creating stronger markets for agricultural products.
The minister said traditional agricultural practices and certified organic products of Tripura could help the state compete in wider markets.
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He also highlighted the potential of honey production in the state.
The first Dubai shipment came from Kanchanpur. Nath also referred to honey production activities in North Tripura.
The government now aims to strengthen links between farmers, FPOs, exporters and buyers.
The International Organic Buyer-Seller Meet provided a platform for those stakeholders to discuss market opportunities.
For Tripura, the first export of organic honey to Dubai adds a new milestone to its efforts to expand organic agriculture and connect local farmers with international markets.
