Tripura Achieves Milestone With First Export Of 2,000 Kg Organic ‘Bird Eye Chilli’ To Visakhapatnam

AGARTALA: Tripura has achieved a significant milestone in agricultural exports by sending 2,000 kilograms of organic ‘Bird Eye Chilli,’ locally known as ‘Dhanna Morich,’ to Visakhapatnam. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath highlighted this development, underscoring the state’s commitment to organic farming despite recent challenges caused by devastating floods.

“This is the first time we are exporting Bird Eye Chilli. It is an organic product, and although the demand is high, agricultural losses caused by the floods have limited our supply this season,” Nath said.

Over the past five years, Tripura has made remarkable progress in organic farming. The area under organic cultivation has expanded from 2,000 hectares to 20,000 hectares, with plans to add another 6,500 hectares this year. The number of farmers involved in organic farming has grown from 2,500 to 19,900. Similarly, the number of organic clusters has risen from 132 to 944, and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) have increased from 4 to 40, with 13 more in development.

“Our government is committed to promoting organic farming. This progress reflects our dedication to ensuring sustainable agricultural practices,” Nath added.

The export of Bird Eye Chilli was made possible through the efforts of Chobimura Organic Farmer Producer Company Limited in Gomati district, in partnership with Sus Agri Development Private Limited, Bengaluru. The initiative received support from the International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture (ICCOA) under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region (MOVCDNER).

The chilli, sourced from farmers in Dhalai, Gomati, and North Tripura districts, has been valued at ₹11 lakh. “Our goal is to achieve massive production and marketing of organic products outside the state and abroad,” the minister said.

Reflecting on Tripura’s global ambitions, Nath recalled his visit to Germany last year to attend the renowned Organic Fair. “This time, our Secretary Apurba Roy will visit in February to further explore opportunities for organic exports,” he stated.

The minister also mentioned a memorandum of understanding signed during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit, which facilitates the export of scented rice, medium-grain aromatic folk rice, black rice, and other agricultural products.

“Tripura’s agricultural sector is poised for significant growth, and organic farming will play a central role in this transformation,” Nath concluded.

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