Agartala, July 9:
In a significant push towards promoting organic farming and strengthening the agro-economy of the state, Tripura on Wednesday hosted its first-ever State Level Organic Buyer-Seller Meet in Agartala.
The event, held at a local hotel, was inaugurated by Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath in the presence of senior officials, organic farmers, and buyers from across the country and also from Dubai.
Organized by the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency (TSOFDA), the initiative aimed to establish direct business links between organic producers and buyers, eliminating the role of middlemen.
Farmers associated with various Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) showcased a range of organic produce including pineapples, bird eye chilly, ginger, turmeric, scented and black rice etc.
Through one-on-one interactions, the meet facilitated bulk orders, immediate trade deals, and discussions on forging long-term business relationships.
This platform ensures that our farmers get the right price for their produce without the interference of middlemen, while buyers too benefit from direct sourcing.
According to Agriculture Minister Nath, there is a growing preference among people for healthier food choices, leading to a rising demand for organic products. In response, the Tripura government has initiated natural and organic farming practices across 25,000 hectares in the state and which shall be further increased.
He further informed that, apart from local participants, 35 buyers from major states and metropolitan cities across India are attending the meet. Notably, a buyer from Dubai has also joined the event and is exploring the possibility of setting up a value-addition unit for Tripura’s organic produce, which could further enhance the state’s agro-based economy.
Meanwhile, Mahesh Kumar, a buyer from Dubai, praised Tripura’s range of organic products, noting that many are not only certified organic but also naturally organic by default, including several Geographical Indication (GI) tagged items.
He emphasized that these products hold significant potential in the international market, but pointed out that low production volumes and shipment logistics remain key challenges in tapping into global demand effectively.
The event is seen as a win-win for both producers and buyers and is expected to contribute significantly to the economic development of Tripura, particularly in rural areas. Moreover, several buyers expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities for setting up processing units in the state to ensure value addition to local products, which would not only boost the economy but also generate employment.
The initiative marks a key step in promoting Tripura’s indigenous organic products and empowering the farming community through sustainable trade practices.
