Tripura has taken a significant step towards expanding its agricultural exports with the shipment of 18 metric tonnes of NPOP-certified ethnic rice to Austria and the Netherlands. The consignment was flagged off on September 2, 2026, with support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), opening new international market opportunities for farmers and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in the northeastern state.
The export highlights Tripura’s growing potential in organic and traditional agricultural products while strengthening the state’s connection with global food markets. It also reflects efforts to develop organised production systems that can meet international requirements related to certification, quality, food safety and traceability.
Four Traditional Rice Varieties for European Consumers
The consignment consists of four distinctive varieties of NPOP-certified ethnic rice. These include Aromatic Kali Khasa Rice, Aromatic Harinarayan Rice, Biron Rice, a white sticky rice variety, and Maimi Hanga Rice, a traditional black rice.
The rice has been sourced by aggregating produce from Farmer Producer Companies in Tripura. These FPCs have received support from the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency (TSOFDA), which has been working to strengthen the state’s organic farming ecosystem.
The export is being undertaken by Pratithi Organic Foods, Sonepat, an exporter of Indian organic agricultural products to international markets. The collaboration between farmers, FPCs, state agencies, APEDA and the exporter has helped bring locally produced ethnic rice into the international supply chain.
Better Market Access for Farmers
The export initiative is expected to provide participating farmers with an opportunity to secure substantially better returns. According to the information shared at the event, farmers could potentially achieve price realisation up to 40 per cent higher than domestic market prices.
Such opportunities could encourage more farmers to adopt organised, quality-focused and export-oriented production. By linking producers directly with international demand, the initiative can also help strengthen farmer incomes and create incentives for maintaining organic production practices.
The shipment follows a Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (RBSM) organised by APEDA in Tripura last month. The event brought potential international buyers together with local producers and helped establish commercial connections. The latest consignment demonstrates how such interactions can translate into actual export orders and market opportunities.
Focus on Certification and Traceability
Austria and the Netherlands are important destinations for certified agricultural products, where consumers and buyers place considerable emphasis on quality, food safety, certification and traceability. The export of NPOP-certified rice from Tripura therefore demonstrates the ability of local producers to meet standards required by discerning overseas markets.
The initiative could also strengthen the position of Tripura’s traditional rice varieties as premium agricultural products, helping create greater recognition for the state’s distinctive crop diversity in international markets.
Stakeholders Back Expansion of Organic Exports
The consignment was flagged off by Tripura Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, APEDA Chairman Abhishek Dev and Apurba Roy, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Tripura.
The ceremony was attended by APEDA Secretary Dr. Saswati Bose, NABARD General Manager Tanushri Bhattacharya, Director of Agriculture Phanibhusan Jamatia and TSOFDA Mission Director Rajib Debbarma. Officials from APEDA, representatives of the exporter and logistics partners, as well as progressive rice farmers from the region, were also present.
Ratan Lal Nath described the export as an important achievement for Tripura and highlighted the state’s potential in organic and traditional agriculture. He said international market access could help farmers secure better prices while creating more sustainable livelihood opportunities. He also emphasised the government’s commitment to strengthening organic farming and helping producers meet international standards.
Abhishek Dev said the shipment underlined the potential of the Northeast to contribute significantly to India’s organic and agricultural exports. He stressed the importance of connecting FPCs and farmers with overseas markets while strengthening certification, traceability and quality systems.
The latest export marks another step in efforts to integrate Tripura’s farmers with global agricultural value chains. Continued cooperation among APEDA, the state government, FPCs, exporters and farmers could help transform the region’s traditional and organic products into sustainable export opportunities.
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Author: Shivam
Shivam Dwivedi is a senior journalist with extensive experience in research-driven journalism, policy communication, and multi-platform storytelling. His areas of interest include international relations, defence, science & technology, education, urban development, agriculture, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. His work focuses on in-depth analysis, public discourse, and impactful narratives across governance and development sectors, with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Contact: [email protected]
