New Delhi, Sep 3: Tripura has taken a major step towards expanding its agricultural exports with an 18-metric-tonne consignment of certified organic rice being shipped to Austria and the Netherlands.
The shipment, facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), includes four traditional rice varieties from the state — Aromatic Kali Khasa, Aromatic Harinarayan, Biron or white sticky rice, and Maimi Hanga or black rice. The rice has been sourced through Farmer Producer Companies supported by the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency.
The export is expected to help participating farmers secure up to 40 per cent higher price realisation compared with domestic market rates. The development gives local producers an opportunity to reach international buyers while creating stronger incentives for organised and certified farming.
The consignment follows a Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet organised by APEDA in Tripura last month. The programme connected local farmers and producer organisations with potential overseas buyers, helping turn those initial business discussions into an actual export opportunity.
Austria and the Netherlands are important markets for certified agricultural products, where food safety, quality, traceability and organic certification are closely monitored. Meeting these requirements can help Tripura’s farmers build a stronger presence in the European market.
The initiative also highlights the growing commercial potential of Tripura’s traditional and organic agricultural products. By connecting Farmer Producer Companies with exporters and international buyers, the state can create better market access and improve income opportunities for rural producers.
The latest shipment is part of a broader effort to strengthen Tripura’s organic farming ecosystem and take distinctive products from the Northeast to global markets. For farmers, the move could mean better price realisation, wider market opportunities and a stronger role in India’s growing agricultural export sector.