APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority) facilitated the first-ever export of 1 Metric Tonne of Mustard Honey by Dergang Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) from Tripura to Dubai. This milestone export represents the first shipment of Mustard Honey from the region and opens new international market opportunities for local beekeepers and farmers through organized export-oriented production.
The initiative is expected to provide farmers associated with Dergang FPO with improved price realization compared to prevailing local market opportunities, creating an additional income avenue for beekeepers while encouraging greater adoption of quality-focused and export-oriented honey production practices. The export marks a significant development for Tripura's emerging agri-export ecosystem, particularly for the honey and beekeeping sector, demonstrating the potential of FPO-led aggregation and industry collaboration in connecting farmers with international markets.
The initiative was supported 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 export consignment was officially flagged off by Agriculture Minister Shri Ratan Lal Nath of the Government of Tripura, who emphasized the significance of this achievement for Tripura's beekeepers and farmers. The ceremony was attended by Secretary of Agriculture & Horticulture Shri Apurba Roy, IAS, Executive Director of 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. This initiative 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 for agricultural products.