Agartala, January 13, 2025: Tripura Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Monday evening flagged off a consignment of 15,000 aromatic lemons from Agartala railway station to Kolkata, marking a significant step in the state’s organic farming and agri-export initiatives.

The shipment, jointly facilitated by the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency and Baramura Organic Producer Company Limited, is being hailed as a milestone in the state’s efforts to promote organic produce beyond its borders.

Speaking to the media, Minister Nath noted that while Tripura has previously exported aromatic lemons, this is the first time such a large consignment is being dispatched in a single batch. The lemons were cultivated by around 80 farmers across 100 hectares in South Hadrai and Hawai Bari areas of Khowai district.

The initiative, he said, was inspired by the ‘Prabasi Tripura’ programme led by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha. Agartala resident Saurav Gupta played a key role in facilitating the export.

“Farmers are our providers, akin to deities. Agriculture is the backbone of our nation. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized, strengthening agriculture is essential to strengthening India,” Nath said. “Agriculture remains our top priority, followed by tourism and other sectors.”

He also announced that another consignment of 15,000 lemons will soon be sent outside the state.

Highlighting the growth of organic farming in Tripura, Nath said the area under organic cultivation has expanded tenfold—from just 2,000 hectares in 2018 to over 20,000 hectares today. The government aims to double farmers’ income and is committed to supporting them through Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) to ensure fair market access and pricing.

The flag-off ceremony was attended by Chief Whip and MLA Kalyani Saha Roy, Agriculture Secretary Apurba Roy, and other dignitaries.