International buyers, exporters and FPOs come together in Agartala to strengthen market access for Tripura’s organic products.
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, in collaboration with the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency (TSOFDA) and the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Tripura, organised an International Organic Buyer-Seller Meet in Agartala to provide a direct platform for the state’s organic producers, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), exporters and international buyers to explore new business opportunities and establish long-term market linkages.
The event witnessed participation from around 200 delegates, including more than 20 international buyers from Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, Greece and Argentina, 27 exporters, 96 farmers representing 22 FPOs/FPCs, and officials from various government departments. The gathering facilitated direct interaction among farmers, producer organisations, exporters, government stakeholders and international buyers to discuss sourcing opportunities, market requirements and potential business collaborations.
The event featured 12 curated stalls showcasing Tripura’s diverse range of organic and naturally produced products, including Queen Pineapple, GI-tagged Kalikhasa Rice, organic ginger, turmeric, black sesame, jackfruit, scented lemon and other fresh organic produce. The exhibition enabled international buyers to interact directly with producers and explore sourcing opportunities from the state.
The Buyer-Seller Meet created a platform for meaningful commercial engagement between Tripura’s organic producers and global buyers while promoting the state’s organic identity in international markets. The initiative is expected to generate new business linkages, encourage long-term sourcing partnerships and improve market access and income opportunities for farmers.
The event was graced by Agriculture Minister, Government of Tripura, Shri Ratan Lal Nath. Shri Apurba Roy, IAS, Secretary, Agriculture and Horticulture, Government of Tripura, Ms Jennifer Chang, Executive Director, IFOAM Organics Asia, and senior officers from APEDA also attended the programme and shared their perspectives on strengthening the organic sector and expanding market opportunities for organic producers.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Ratan Lal Nath said, “Tripura’s farmers are producing quality organic products with strong potential in domestic and international markets. Connecting our farmers and FPOs directly with international buyers can create new opportunities for better market access and income generation. The Government of Tripura will continue to support initiatives that strengthen organic farming and enable our farmers to benefit from emerging global opportunities.”
The programme also featured the felicitation of organic farmers by the Agriculture Minister in recognition of their contribution to Tripura’s organic agriculture movement and their role in building sustainable agricultural value chains.
APEDA continues to work closely with State Governments, FPOs, exporters and other stakeholders to strengthen India’s organic export ecosystem through certification support, capacity building, infrastructure development, market promotion and international buyer linkages. The initiatives in Tripura form part of these continued efforts to expand the global footprint of India’s organic products while creating sustainable market opportunities for farmers across the North Eastern Region.
Source: Press Information Bureau
