Tripura’s Aromatic 'Harinarayan' and ‘Kali Khasa’ Rice Flagged Off for Export from Agartala Railway Station

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, March 6, 2026

In a significant step towards promoting Tripura’s indigenous agricultural heritage and expanding market opportunities for local farmers, a consignment of organically grown Kali Khasa and Harinarayan Pady was officially flagged off for export outside the state from Agartala Railway Station on Friday evening.

The flag-off ceremony was led by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath, along with Forest and Environment Minister Animesh Debbarma. The initiative marks a major milestone in the effort to revive and promote Tripura’s traditional aromatic Pady varieties in national markets.

The event was attended by Fani Jamatia, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Rajib Debbarma, Mission Director of the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency (TSOFDA), and Saurav Gupta, CEO of Sublime Gourmet Private Limited, the company facilitating procurement and marketing of these heritage Pady varieties.

The consignment includes organically cultivated Kali Khasa and Harinarayan paddy sourced from farmers practicing traditional organic farming methods in different parts of Tripura. Known for its unique aroma, taste, and cultural significance, Kali Khasa Pady is one of Tripura’s prized varieties that has long been part of the region’s food heritage.

Officials said the initiative aims to connect local farmers with larger markets outside the state, ensuring better returns for their produce while simultaneously preserving traditional Pady varieties that are gradually disappearing due to the dominance of high-yield hybrid crops.

Speaking on the occasion, Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath emphasized that the Tripura government is committed to promoting organic farming and preserving indigenous crop varieties. He noted that initiatives like these will help farmers gain access to premium markets and increase their income while strengthening the state’s agricultural economy.

Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma also highlighted the importance of protecting traditional agricultural biodiversity and supporting sustainable farming practices.

The export initiative is being supported by the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency and implemented in collaboration with Sublime Gourmet Private Limited, a company working to promote indigenous food and agricultural heritage from the Northeast and eastern India.

Officials believe that expanding the market for traditional aromatic Pady such as Kali Khasa and Harinarayan will not only boost farmers’ livelihoods but also position Tripura as an important source of premium organic heritage rice in the country.

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