Amit Shah Pushes for Global Market Expansion of Tripura’s Aromatic Rice

 New Delhi:Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has called for a major push to increase the global reach of Tripura’s renowned aromatic rice varieties, including “Kali Khasa” and “Biran.” At a recent high-level review meeting held in New Delhi, Shah instructed the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL) to actively seek out new international markets for these rice types, known for their unique aroma, organic cultivation methods, and nutritional value.The meeting, which focused on assessing the progress of NCEL, National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL), and Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Ltd (BBSSL), highlighted the untapped export potential of several cooperative-backed agricultural products. Shah emphasized the importance of expanding the export base to include not just rice, but also sugar from cooperative-run mills, organic cotton, and coarse grains.Further, Shah proposed collaborations with major private players to facilitate the export of perishable commodities such as fresh vegetables and specialized potato varieties to Gulf nations. He believes such partnerships could enhance the value chain and benefit millions of farmers associated with cooperative organizations.In a bold move to streamline and maximize export efficiency, Shah directed that all exports by cooperative institutions be routed through NCEL. This step, he stated, would help generate an annual turnover of ₹20,000 to ₹30,000 crore, with profits being reinvested into the cooperatives, ultimately benefiting grassroots-level producers.Additionally, Shah urged NCEL to explore the export potential of three new product categories that India has not yet tapped into, although he did not specify which ones. The overarching goal, he stated, is for NCEL to achieve a monumental ₹2 lakh crore in exports.This renewed focus on cooperative-led exports is part of the government’s broader strategy to empower farmers, promote organic and traditional crops, and increase India’s footprint in the global agricultural trade. Tripura’s unique rice varieties could soon become a symbol of India's diverse agro-export potential.