Agartala, July 10 (IANS) Tripura Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Friday flagged off a consignment of the state’s organic agricultural products for export to Gulf countries through a Dubai-based organisation, describing the initiative as a major milestone in expanding international market access for Tripura’s farmers.

Addressing the flagging-off ceremony, the Minister said that the Dubai-based organisation is one of the largest full-fledged retail marketing organisations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with extensive operations across six GCC countries and procurement networks spanning more than 85 countries.

He said the inclusion of Tripura’s organic produce in the marketing network of such a globally reputed retail chain is a matter of pride for the state and would create new opportunities for farmers while helping enhance their income.

Nath said they are exporting 1,300 organic scented lemons, 182 kg of organic ‘Kalikhasa’ aromatic rice, and 350 Queen pineapples to Dubai, and these organic agricultural products have been supplied by various Farmer Producer Companies.

He said the successful export reflects the dedication, hard work and commitment of the state’s farmers and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) towards producing high-quality organic agricultural products.

The Minister noted that Tripura had recently exported 10,000 kg of organic dried bird’s eye chilli to Germany, and Friday’s consignment marked another important milestone in the growing international acceptance of the state’s organic produce.

He said that recently 10,000 kg of organic dried bird’s eye chilli from Tripura was successfully exported to Germany, and today, with the export of organic fragrant lemon, organic Kalikhasa aromatic rice and Queen pineapple to Dubai, Tripura’s organic produce has achieved yet another significant milestone in the international market.

The Minister noted that these successes reflect the hard work and dedication of the state’s farmers and the growing global recognition of Tripura’s organic farming. Nath added that he is delighted to announce the successful launch of this export consignment of organic fragrant lemon, organic Kalikhasa aromatic rice and organic Queen pineapple to Dubai.

The Minister said the state government is consistently promoting organic farming by strengthening value addition, certification, branding and market linkages to ensure that farmers receive remunerative prices for their produce and improve their incomes.

He said the export initiative would further strengthen Tripura’s position as an emerging producer of premium organic agricultural products and help expand the state’s footprint in overseas markets.

Referring to the two-day Tripura Destination Business Conclave, which concluded Friday, Nath, who also holds the power portfolio, said the Tripura State Electricity Corporation Ltd (TSECL) signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 18,100 crore, while the Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) signed MoUs worth Rs 13,080 crore.

He said the Agriculture and Horticulture sectors together attracted MoUs worth Rs 1,698.4 crore during the conclave, adding that several more investment agreements are expected in the coming months, which would further boost the state’s agricultural and allied sectors.

–IANS

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