Tripura has taken a significant step towards expanding its agricultural exports with the shipment of 18 metric tonnes of NPOP-certified ethnic rice to Austria and the Netherlands, opening new international market opportunities for farmers and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs).
Facilitated by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), the consignment comprises four traditional varieties — Aromatic Kali Khasa, Aromatic Harinarayan, Biron white sticky rice and Maimi Hanga black rice. The shipment was flagged off from Tripura on September 2.
The rice was aggregated from Farmer Producer Companies supported by the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency (TSOFDA) and is being exported by Sonepat-based Pratithi Organic Foods. The initiative is aimed at connecting local producers with international buyers and strengthening Tripura’s position in the global organic and traditional rice market.
The shipment follows an APEDA-organised Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet in Tripura, which helped establish links between international buyers and local producers. The export is expected to provide participating farmers with up to 40% higher price realisation compared with domestic markets, creating stronger incentives for certified and export-oriented production.
The move also highlights the growing export potential of northeastern India’s distinctive agricultural products. With European markets placing strong emphasis on certification, food safety and traceability, the shipment could help Tripura develop a stronger presence in premium organic food markets.