Ř 1 MT export opens new international market
opportunities for Dergang FPO and local beekeepers
·
First export: APEDA facilitated the first-ever
export of 1 MT of mustard honey by Dergang
Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO), Tripura, to Dubai.
·
New international market: The shipment
opens a new international market for Tripura’s beekeepers and farmers and
strengthens the region’s honey value chain.
·
Better farmer income: Export-oriented
market access is expected to provide improved price realisation
and additional income opportunities for farmers associated with the FPO.
·
Industry collaboration: Salt Range
Foods Pvt. Ltd. supported and hand-held Dergang FPO
in strengthening bee production and developing an export-ready honey supply chain.
·
FPO-led exports: The initiative demonstrates how FPO
aggregation and private-sector collaboration can connect small farmers and beekeepers
with global markets.
·
Tripura’s agri-export potential: The milestone
highlights the potential of Tripura and the North Eastern Region (NER) to
expand exports of honey and other quality agricultural products.
·
Government support: Tripura Agriculture Minister Shri
Ratan Lal Nath highlighted the importance of apiculture, organic agriculture
and FPOs in improving farmers’ access to international markets.
·
Export ecosystem: The flag-off ceremony was attended by
senior officials of the Tripura Government, APEDA, IFOAM Organics Asia, exporters,
logistics partners and beekeepers.
·
APEDA’s role: APEDA continues to support agricultural
exports from the NER through market linkages, capacity building, quality assurance
and export facilitation.
·
Overall significance: The export is
expected to encourage more FPOs and farmers in Tripura and the NER to adopt quality
improvement, value addition and export-oriented production.
[ABS News Service/11.08.2026]
APEDA facilitated the first-ever export
of 1 Metric Tonne of Mustard Honey by Dergang Farmer Producer
Organisation (FPO) from Tripura to Dubai. The export marks a new milestone for the
FPO and the region by creating an opportunity for local beekeepers and farmers to
access international markets through organised export-oriented production.
The shipment represents the first-ever
export of Mustard Honey from the area and opens new avenues for diversification
of Tripura's honey value chain. The initiative is expected to encourage local farmers
and FPOs to explore export opportunities and strengthen their participation in international
agricultural markets.
The export is expected to provide farmers
associated with Dergang FPO with improved price realisation
compared to prevailing local market opportunities. Better market access through
exports can provide an additional income avenue for beekeepers while encouraging
greater adoption of quality-focused and export-oriented honey production practices.
The initiative was supported and hand-held
by M/s Salt Range Foods Pvt. Ltd. which has been working
with Dergang FPO to strengthen bee production and facilitate
the development of export-oriented honey supply. The collaboration has enabled the
FPO to take its first step towards international market access while creating a
structured opportunity for farmers to participate in the export value chain.
The milestone is significant for Tripura's
emerging agri-export ecosystem, particularly for the development
of its honey and beekeeping sector. The state's diverse agricultural landscape and
growing focus on organised farmer collectives offer considerable potential for expanding
the production and export of quality honey and other agricultural products.
The export of Mustard Honey demonstrates
the potential of FPO-led aggregation and industry collaboration in connecting farmers
with international markets. It is expected to encourage more FPOs and farmers in
Tripura and the wider North Eastern Region to explore value addition, quality improvement
and export opportunities.
Encouraging the initiative, Agriculture
Minister Shri Ratan Lal Nath, said, “The first-ever export of Mustard Honey by Dergang FPO is a significant achievement for Tripura’s beekeepers
and farmers. It demonstrates the potential of our local agricultural products to
reach international markets and create better income opportunities for farming communities.
The Government of Tripura remains committed to strengthening apiculture and organic
agriculture while supporting Farmer Producer Organisations in accessing wider markets.
With coordinated efforts by farmers, FPOs, exporters and institutions such as APEDA,
Tripura can further expand its presence in the global market for quality agricultural
and organic products.”
The export consignment was flagged off
by Agriculture Minister, Government of Tripura Shri Ratan Lal Nath. The ceremony
was attended by Secretary, Agriculture & Horticulture, Government of Tripura
Shri Apurba Roy, IAS, Executive Director, IFOAM Organics Asia Ms Jennifer Chang,
senior officers from APEDA, representatives of the exporter, logistics partners
and progressive beekeepers from the region.
APEDA continues to work with State Governments,
FPOs, exporters, processors and other stakeholders to facilitate agricultural exports
from the North Eastern Region through market linkages, capacity building, quality
assurance and export facilitation. Such initiatives contribute to creating sustainable
market opportunities for farmers while expanding the global footprint of India's
diverse agricultural products.