Tripura’s Aromatic Rice Set for Global Markets as Amit Shah directs NCEL to explore export opportunities for GI-tagged Kalikasha rice from Tripura and other agri-products in key international markets.
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has directed the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) to explore new international markets for Tripura’s prized aromatic rice varieties, particularly Kali Khasa and Biran, both of which are organically grown and renowned for their distinctive fragrance, nutritional value, and taste.
Chairing a high-level performance review meeting in the national capital on Saturday, Shah highlighted the untapped export potential of Tripura’s indigenous rice varieties, with a specific focus on Kali Khasa, which has already received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. This GI recognition not only underscores the rice’s unique regional identity but also enhances its value in global markets.
“Tripura’s aromatic rice varieties like Kalikhasa and Biran are not just agricultural products—they are cultural legacies. The world market must be introduced to their uniqueness,” Shah said during the meeting, urging NCEL to treat these varieties as flagship export items for the North-East.
A Push for Agri-Export Diversification
The minister’s remarks came during a review meeting to assess the progress of three national cooperative institutions set up in 2023: NCEL (National Cooperative Exports Ltd), NCOL (National Cooperative Organics Ltd), and BBSSL (Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Ltd).
In addition to rice from Tripura, Shah also called for new export strategies for:
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Sugar from cooperative mills,
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Organic cotton, and
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Coarse grains, all of which he said have substantial untapped international demand.
To boost India’s agricultural export footprint through cooperative institutions, Shah set an ambitious Rs 2 lakh crore export target for NCEL and directed the agency to identify three unique products that India is not currently exporting, but which could have strong global appeal.
Fresh Produce for Gulf Markets, Pulses from Africa & Myanmar
Shah also stressed the importance of building strategic partnerships with private firms for the export of fresh vegetables to Gulf nations, where demand for Indian produce is high. He further suggested leveraging India’s strength in specific potato varieties suited for processing — such as those used in making French fries — and called for dedicated support under the Seed Production Programme for Processing Varieties.
Recognizing India’s continued reliance on imported pulses, the minister directed NCEL to establish dedicated offices in Africa and Myanmar, countries that are key pulse suppliers, in order to streamline and secure import channels.
In a move toward greater inclusivity and transparency, Shah also recommended the development of a dedicated digital portal for cooperative members to access export-related information and opportunities in real time.
Tissue Culture and Seed Development Initiatives
Looking ahead, the Union Minister emphasized the need to strengthen the backbone of India’s banana and potato export ecosystems. He proposed the creation of state-of-the-art tissue culture labs to supply genetically superior planting material, particularly in India’s top 10 banana-producing states. Such interventions, he said, would not only raise productivity but also improve the quality and uniformity of produce — key factors for international competitiveness.
NCEL’s Growing Footprint
According to officials, NCEL is already making strides in global trade, having expanded its operations to 28 countries and signed strategic agreements with 61 importers, including those from Senegal, Indonesia, and Nepal.
Minister Shah urged NCEL to build on this momentum and ensure that cooperatives from even the most remote regions of India—like Tripura—find a voice in global markets. By linking rural producers with overseas buyers, the minister said, cooperatives can evolve from local collectives into engines of national economic growth.
The review meeting was attended by Cooperation Secretary, as well as the Managing Directors of the three national cooperative institutions:
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Anupam Kaushik (NCEL),
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Vipul Mittal (NCOL), and
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Chetan Joshi (BBSSL).
Tripura’s Aromatic Rice Heritage
Tripura’s Kali Khasa and Biran rice varieties have long been cultivated using organic practices by small and marginal farmers, mostly in the hill districts. Kali Khasa, in particular, is known for its blackish husk, long grains, and intense aroma. With the GI tag granted to Kalikasha, the variety is now protected under intellectual property laws, giving it a competitive edge in premium export markets.
Despite its unique qualities, export of this rice has remained limited due to lack of awareness, branding, and market linkages — gaps the NCEL is now tasked with addressing under Shah’s directive.
By including Tripura’s rice among India’s emerging export assets, the Centre is taking a step toward integrating North-East India’s agri-produce into global value chains, giving the region a platform it has long deserved.
