47,000 Farmers drive Tripura's Organic growth, State celebrates first Honey Export

Tripura achieved a historic milestone on Monday with the first-ever export of honey to an overseas market, marking a new chapter in the state’s agricultural journey. 

Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath, speaking at the International Organic Buyer-Seller Meet in Agartala, said the consignment reflects Tripura’s growing potential in organic farming and diversification of produce for global trade. 

He highlighted North Tripura’s “Madhuban” region as a promising hub for honey production, expressing confidence that exports will expand in the coming years.

Nath underscored that the state has made remarkable progress in organic cultivation, expanding from 2,000 hectares before the present government assumed office to 26,000 hectares today. 

Nearly 47,000 farmers are now engaged in organic farming, a transformation that he said is reshaping Tripura’s agrarian economy. Agriculture contributes around 48 percent of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), compared to 41 percent from the service sector, making farming the backbone of the state’s economy.

The minister emphasized the government’s strategy of promoting farmers at village, district, state, national, and international levels by providing platforms to showcase and market their produce. He credited Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) for playing a crucial role in connecting grassroots farmers with buyers and facilitating direct trade.

The international meet drew 51 buyers from countries including Germany, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, and Egypt, reflecting rising global interest in Tripura’s organic products. 

Delegates praised the quality of the state’s produce, with one international buyer remarking, “I never tasted such pineapple before. I am very excited and grateful to be here and taste these lovely fruits and other items.”

Tripura’s celebrated Queen Pineapple remained the star attraction, alongside Sabri banana, jackfruit, aromatic lemon, pumpkin, ginger, and high-quality turmeric. 

Technical sessions allowed buyers to interact directly with farmer groups, and confirmed orders included a reported 1,000 metric tonne consignment for markets outside the state.

Minister Nath was accompanied by senior officials and dignitaries including APEDA’s Senior Consultant Dr. Tarun Bajaj, Secretary Apurba Roy, Executive Director of IFOAM Organics Asia Jennifer Chang, Mission Director of TSOFDA Rajib Debbarma, and Director Phani Bhushan Jamatia.