Agartala: Tripura has taken a significant step towards expanding its agricultural exports with the flag-off of 18 metric tonnes of NPOP-certified ethnic rice for Austria and the Netherlands. Facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the consignment was flagged off on September 2.
The export brings four traditional rice varieties from Tripura to European markets and is expected to create new opportunities for farmers and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) involved in organic farming.
Four Traditional Rice Varieties Reach European Markets
The consignment includes four NPOP-certified ethnic rice varieties:
- Aromatic Kali Khasa Rice
- Aromatic Harinarayan Rice
- Biron Rice, a white sticky rice
- Maimi Hanga Rice, a black rice
The rice was aggregated from Farmer Producer Companies supported by the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency (TSOFDA).
The consignment is being exported by Pratithi Organic Foods, Sonepat, an exporter of Indian organic agricultural products.
The shipment is particularly significant because Austria and the Netherlands are quality-conscious markets where certification, food safety and traceability play an important role in agricultural imports.
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Export Markets Could Bring Better Returns
For Tripura’s farmers, the export opportunity goes beyond a single shipment. According to the release, participating farmers could achieve up to 40% higher price realisation compared with the domestic market.
This can provide a strong incentive for farmers to participate in organised production systems and meet certification and quality requirements needed for international trade.
The involvement of FPCs also gives small producers a collective platform to aggregate their produce and connect with larger markets. This can strengthen the value chain from cultivation and aggregation to certification and export.
APEDA Builds on Buyer-Seller Connections
The latest shipment follows a Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (RBSM) organised by APEDA in Tripura last month.
The meeting brought potential international buyers together with local producers and helped establish market linkages. The current export demonstrates how such interactions can translate into actual international business opportunities.
By connecting farmers and FPCs with buyers, the initiative can help Tripura’s traditional agricultural products move beyond local and domestic markets.
Focus on Organic and Traditional Agriculture
Tripura has considerable potential in organic and traditional agricultural products. The export of NPOP-certified rice highlights how these products can be positioned for specialised international markets.
Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath described the export as an important moment for the state and credited farmers, FPCs and other stakeholders for making the shipment possible.
He highlighted the potential of Tripura’s organic and traditional agricultural products and said such initiatives could help producers access new markets, improve price realisation and build sustainable livelihoods.
The state government also reiterated its commitment to strengthening the organic farming ecosystem and helping producers meet international standards.
Strengthening North East India’s Export Potential
APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev said the export demonstrates the potential of the North Eastern Region to contribute to India’s growing organic and agricultural exports.
He emphasised the importance of connecting FPCs and farmers with international markets while strengthening certification, traceability and quality systems.
APEDA will continue working with the Tripura government and stakeholders to promote the state’s unique agricultural products in global markets.
The shipment, flagged off by Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev and Agriculture Secretary Apurba Roy, marks a step towards a stronger export ecosystem for Tripura’s farmers.
Expanding such market linkages could boost international demand for the state’s traditional and organic crops while improving farmers’ income opportunities.
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