A strong pitch for safeguarding and promoting Tripura’s rich agricultural heritage resonated in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, when Member of Parliament Rajib Bhattacharjee urged the Centre to extend Geographical Indication (GI) tags to a wider range of organic fruits and crops cultivated in the state. He emphasized that such recognition would go beyond symbolism and serve as a vital instrument for economic empowerment, particularly for tribal farmers residing in Tripura’s hilly and remote regions.
Raising the issue during the proceedings of the Upper House, Bhattacharjee said immediate steps are needed to protect indigenous agricultural produce from imitation and market neglect. He underlined that GI certification would help preserve traditional farming practices while opening new avenues for sustainable livelihood and rural development.
The MP commended the Centre’s farmer-centric initiatives under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that policies aimed at boosting agricultural value chains have already begun yielding results. Citing the example of Tripura’s famed Queen Pineapple, which has received GI status, Bhattacharjee said the certification has brought international recognition, enhanced market credibility, and better income prospects for local farmers. The success of the Queen Pineapple, he added, clearly demonstrates the transformative impact GI tagging can have on indigenous produce.
Highlighting Tripura’s vast agricultural diversity, Bhattacharjee described the state as a unique hub of organic farming rooted in age-old traditions. He urged the Centre to consider GI recognition for several native crops, including Gandharaj lemon, brown rice, jackfruit, Kali Khasa, and Binni rice. Many of these crops, he pointed out, are grown using the traditional jhum cultivation method, which reflects the deep ecological knowledge of tribal communities.
According to Bhattacharjee, extending GI protection to these products would significantly enhance the global identity of Tripura’s agricultural produce and inject fresh momentum into the agrarian economy of tribal-dominated areas. He concluded by stressing that GI tags are not merely branding tools, but symbols of dignity, sustainability, and long-term prosperity for the farming communities of Tripura.
