The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has organised an International Organic Buyer-Seller Meet in Agartala to connect Tripura’s organic farmers and producer organisations with overseas markets.
The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency (TSOFDA) and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Tripura. The initiative aimed to create direct commercial opportunities for organic producers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), exporters and international buyers while building sustainable market linkages.
International Buyers Explore Tripura’s Organic Potential
Nearly 200 participants attended the event, including more than 20 international buyers from Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Greece and Argentina. The gathering also included 27 exporters, 96 farmers representing 22 FPOs and Farmer Producer Companies, along with officials from different government departments.
The participation of stakeholders from across the organic value chain enabled farmers and producer groups to interact directly with international buyers and exporters. Discussions focused on sourcing requirements, quality expectations, market demand and opportunities for developing long-term commercial partnerships.
The event provided overseas buyers with an opportunity to understand Tripura’s agricultural strengths and explore products with potential in international markets.
Showcase of Tripura’s Unique Organic Products
A major attraction of the programme was an exhibition featuring 12 specially curated stalls displaying a wide variety of organic and naturally produced products from the state.
The showcased products included the renowned Queen Pineapple, GI-tagged Kalikhasa Rice, organic ginger and turmeric, black sesame, jackfruit and scented lemon, besides several other fresh and exotic agricultural products.
The stalls enabled buyers to examine the products, interact directly with farmers and producer organisations and discuss possible sourcing arrangements. The initiative highlighted the diversity of Tripura’s agricultural produce and its potential to gain greater recognition in global markets.
Focus on Better Market Access for Farmers
The buyer-seller meet was designed not only to promote exports but also to strengthen the income prospects of farmers by creating direct connections with international markets. Greater access to overseas buyers can help producer organisations develop stable markets and encourage farmers to improve production, quality and value addition.
Agriculture Minister of Tripura Shri Ratan Lal Nath welcomed the initiative and emphasised the importance of linking the state’s farmers and FPOs with international markets.
He said Tripura’s farmers are producing quality organic products with significant potential in both domestic and overseas markets. Direct engagement with international buyers, he noted, could open new avenues for market access and income generation, while the state government would continue supporting efforts to strengthen organic farming.
Recognition of Organic Farmers
The programme also included the felicitation of organic farmers by Agriculture Minister Shri Ratan Lal Nath. The recognition acknowledged their contribution to the state’s organic agriculture movement and their role in developing sustainable agricultural value chains.
Secretary, Agriculture and Horticulture, Government of Tripura, Shri Apurba Roy, and senior officials from APEDA were also present. Ms Jennifer Chang, Executive Director of IFOAM Organics Asia, shared perspectives on strengthening the organic sector and expanding international market opportunities.
APEDA’s Continued Push for Organic Exports
APEDA has been working with state governments, FPOs, exporters and other stakeholders to strengthen India’s organic export ecosystem. Its efforts include certification support, capacity building, infrastructure development, market promotion and facilitating interactions with international buyers.
The Agartala initiative is part of these broader efforts to expand the international presence of Indian organic products. For Tripura and other states in the North Eastern Region, stronger export linkages could help transform unique local agricultural products into globally recognised commodities while creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers.
The International Organic Buyer-Seller Meet is therefore expected to contribute to new commercial partnerships, improved market access and greater visibility for Tripura’s organic produce in international markets.
Also Read: GeM Enters Second Decade with AI-Enabled Public Procurement Vision
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]
