Tripura government pushes higher farm output and exports as Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath flags off organic paddy consignment to Kolkata, aiming to boost farmers’ income, strengthen farmer producer companies, and expand market reach for premium organic rice varieties.
In a renewed push to strengthen the agricultural economy and enhance farmers’ earnings, the Tripura government has intensified efforts to increase agricultural production and expand export opportunities for local farm produce. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Friday reaffirmed the state’s commitment to promoting high-value crops and facilitating exports to ensure better financial returns for cultivators.
The initiative was highlighted during a ceremonial flag-off event at Agartala Railway Station, where the Minister, accompanied by Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma, launched a consignment of 3 metric tonnes of organic paddy destined for Kolkata. The shipment includes 2.5 metric tonnes of the aromatic ‘Kaalikhasa’ variety and 0.5 metric tonnes of the ‘Harinarayan’ variety, both known for their distinctive fragrance and superior quality.
The export has been facilitated by Sublime Gourmet Private Limited, with strong participation from local farmer producer companies. These include the Bosong Group of Tulasikhar in Khowai district and the Thansa Farmers Organisation from Gomati district. Their involvement reflects the growing role of collective farming institutions in connecting farmers with larger markets and improving income opportunities.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister Nath emphasized that the government’s ultimate goal is to significantly increase production while opening new markets for agricultural products. According to him, expanding exports is one of the key strategies for ensuring that farmers receive fair and profitable prices for their produce.
“Our ultimate target is higher production and exports so that farmers can benefit more. From the very beginning, we have been working with a clear objective to double farmers’ income while ensuring sustainable agricultural development,” Nath said.
The Minister highlighted that this export initiative has already begun delivering tangible benefits to farmers. Organic paddy sold through farmer producer companies is currently fetching around ₹70 per kilogram, which is significantly higher than the average local market price of approximately ₹55 per kilogram. This price advantage demonstrates the economic value of organized marketing and export-oriented agriculture.
The state government has been actively strengthening farmer producer companies (FPCs) to help cultivators pool resources, improve bargaining power, and access premium markets. By supporting such institutions, authorities aim to ensure transparency in pricing and create stable income opportunities for rural farming communities.
Officials present at the event described the export as a major step toward positioning Tripura’s unique organic rice varieties in wider national and international markets. They believe the move will help preserve the distinct aroma and quality of indigenous paddy varieties while simultaneously increasing their commercial value.
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Minister Nath also emphasized the emotional and cultural connection between farmers and the land, noting that the prosperity of the state is deeply rooted in the hard work of cultivators. According to him, every grain produced through the sweat and dedication of farmers carries the identity of Tripura to distant markets.
With increasing demand for organic and specialty rice varieties, the government hopes that continued export initiatives will open new opportunities for farmers and strengthen the state’s reputation as a producer of high-quality organic agricultural products.
