Agartala, January 17, 2025: In a significant boost to Tripura’s agricultural exports, the state has sent 2,000 kilograms of organic ‘Bird Eye Chilli’, locally known as ‘Dhanna Morich’, to Visakhapatnam. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced the development, emphasizing the state’s growing focus on organic farming despite recent setbacks due to devastating floods.

“This is the first time we are exporting Bird Eye Chilli. It is an organic product, and although the demand is high, agricultural losses caused by the floods have limited our supply this season,” said Nath.

The minister highlighted Tripura’s strides in organic farming over the past five years. Organic farming has expanded from 2,000 hectares to 20,000 hectares, with plans to add another 6,500 hectares this year. The number of farmers engaged in organic farming has increased from 2,500 to 19,900. Organic clusters have grown from 132 to 944, and the number of Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) has risen from 4 to 40, with 13 more in the pipeline.

“Our government is committed to promoting organic farming. This progress reflects our dedication to ensuring sustainable agricultural practices,” Nath added.

The export of Bird Eye Chilli was facilitated by Chobimura Organic Farmer Producer Company Limited in Gomati district, in collaboration with Sus Agri Development Private Limited, Bengaluru. The initiative was supported by the International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA) under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCDNER).

The 2,000 kilograms of chilli, sourced from farmers in Dhalai, Gomati, and North Tripura districts, have been valued at ₹11 lakh. “Our goal is to achieve massive production and marketing of organic products outside the state and abroad,” the minister said.

Highlighting Tripura’s global ambitions, Nath recalled his visit to Germany last year to attend the world-famous Organic Fair. “This time, our Secretary Apurba Roy will visit in February to further explore opportunities for organic exports,” he said.

The minister also mentioned the MoU signed during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit, enabling the export of scented rice, medium-grain aromatic folk rice, black rice, and other farming products.

“Tripura’s agricultural sector is poised for significant growth, and organic farming will play a central role in this transformation,” Nath concluded.