Organic Farming Takes Centre Stage in Tripura: 1,000 kg Honey Exported to UAE
Tripura has taken a significant leap in the realm of organic farming, with over 47,000 farmers now engaged in cultivating organic produce. The state has made headlines by exporting 1,000 kg of organic honey to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the first time. This achievement is a testament to the state’s commitment to promoting organic farming and connecting local farmers with international buyers.
Agriculture Minister Flags Off Export Consignment
Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath flagged off the export consignment of organic honey at an International Organic Buyer-Seller Meet held at a hotel in Agartala. The event saw the participation of 20 international buyers from countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Egypt, South Korea, Italy, Argentina, Germany, Greece, and the Philippines. This buyer-seller meet was organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Boosting Farmers’ Income
Speaking at the event, Minister Nath emphasized the importance of farmers in the country’s economy. He noted that farmers are the “Annadata” (food providers) of the country and that the state government has been giving priority to them through various programmes and initiatives. Nath highlighted the growth of organic farming in Tripura, stating that the area under organic cultivation had increased substantially since 2018. From just 2,000 hectares of land in 2018, the state now has 26,000 hectares under organic cultivation, with 47,000 farmers involved.
International Recognition for Tripura’s Organic Products
The state’s Queen Pineapple has gained recognition both nationally and internationally, while products such as Sabri Banana, scented lemon, jackfruit, turmeric, and ginger are also well-known for their quality. Nath expressed his gratitude to APEDA and the Central Government for extending support to promote organic farming and facilitate access to international markets. He noted that 48% of the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) comes from agriculture, making it the mainstay of the state’s economy.
Doubling Farmers’ Income
The Minister’s vision for the state’s agriculture sector is to double the farmers’ income. He expressed his confidence that the International Organic Buyer-Seller Meet would provide an important platform for direct interaction between producers, farmers, farmer-producer organizations, and buyers from India and abroad. Nath emphasized that the state government’s main aim is to strengthen the income opportunities of farmers engaged in organic cultivation.
Expanding Overseas Market for Organic Products
The export of organic honey to the UAE marks another step towards expanding the overseas market for Tripura’s organic products. This achievement is a result of the state government’s efforts to promote organic cultivation, improve certification, and connect local farmers and FPOs with national and international buyers. The state’s commitment to organic farming and its efforts to connect with international buyers will undoubtedly pave the way for further growth and development in the sector.
Key Stakeholders Attend the Event
The event was attended by APEDA’s Senior Consultant Tarun Bajaj and Tripura’s Agriculture and Horticulture Department Secretary Apurba Roy, among others. The participation of key stakeholders from the agriculture sector and international buyers from around the world underscores the importance of this event in promoting organic farming and connecting local farmers with global markets.