Tripura makes remarkable advancements in organic cultivation
AGARTALA: Tripura made remarkable advancements in organic cultivation with approximately 47,000 farmers actively participating in organic farming initiatives. The state marked a significant milestone by exporting 1,000 kg of organically produced honey to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The flagging off programme with Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath in attendance was held at a private hotel here Monday. The event coincided with the International Organic Buyer-Seller Meet at the venue.
The event attracted participation from 20 international buyers representing countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Egypt, South Korea, Italy, Argentina, Germany, Greece and the Philippines.
The event was organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Minister Nath stated that Tripura has undergone significant growth in the organic sector expanding from 2,000 hectares of organic cultivation before 2018 to 26,000 hectares currently, establishing the state as a key player in organic agriculture.
Nath expressed satisfaction over the honey export indicating agriculture accounts for 48% of Tripura's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), underscoring the sector as vital to the state's economy. The day’s proceedings included the formal opening of the event, followed by specialized technical sessions aimed at fostering connections between buyers and sellers.
The overall objective remains to enhance farmers' income, with a focus on sustainable agricultural practices and the promotion of Tripura’s organic produce. Key figures at the event included Dr Tarun Bajaj from APEDA, Apurba Roy, Secretary of Agriculture and Horticulture, Tripura, Jennifer Chang from IFOAM Organics Asia and Rajib Debbarma, the Mission Director of TSOFDA.