Dergang FPO ships 1 metric tonne of mustard honey, creating new opportunities for farmers and beekeepers
Tripura, August 10, 2026: Tripura has achieved a significant milestone in agricultural exports with the first-ever shipment of mustard honey from the region to Dubai. The consignment, comprising 1 metric tonne of honey, was exported by Dergang Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) with support from the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA).
The development marks an important step for Tripura’s beekeeping sector and demonstrates the growing potential of Farmer Producer Organisations in connecting rural producers with international markets.
New International Market for Tripura’s Honey
The export creates a new avenue for local beekeepers and farmers to sell their products beyond traditional domestic markets. Access to international buyers could help improve market opportunities and encourage producers to focus more strongly on quality, consistency and export requirements.
For Dergang FPO, the Dubai shipment represents an important first step towards developing a more organised and export-oriented honey business.
The initiative could also encourage other farmer groups in Tripura to explore international markets for agricultural and processed products.
FPOs Can Strengthen Farmer Market Access
Farmer Producer Organisations can play an important role in bringing together small producers, improving aggregation and creating stronger links with buyers.
In the case of Dergang FPO, collaboration with Salt Range Foods Pvt. Ltd. has supported efforts to improve bee production and establish an export-oriented supply system.
Such partnerships can help farmers participate more effectively in higher-value agricultural supply chains by combining production, aggregation, quality management and market access.
Potential Boost for Tripura’s Beekeeping Sector
Tripura has significant potential for expanding apiculture and developing value-added agricultural products. The mustard honey export highlights how local agricultural resources can potentially be transformed into products suitable for international markets.
Greater emphasis on quality production, processing, packaging and market linkages could create additional income opportunities for beekeepers while supporting the development of the state's agricultural economy.
The initiative may also provide a model for other FPOs across Tripura and the wider North Eastern Region to explore exports of honey and other agricultural commodities.
Agriculture Minister Flags Off Export Consignment
Tripura Agriculture Minister Shri Ratan Lal Nath flagged off the export consignment.
Speaking on the occasion, the minister highlighted the importance of the achievement for the state's farmers and beekeepers and emphasised the potential of Tripura's agricultural products in international markets.
He also reiterated the state's focus on strengthening apiculture, organic agriculture and Farmer Producer Organisations to create better market opportunities for farming communities.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by Shri Apurba Roy, IAS, Secretary, Agriculture & Horticulture, Government of Tripura, Ms Jennifer Chang, Executive Director, IFOAM Organics Asia, APEDA officials, exporter and logistics representatives, and beekeepers from the region.
APEDA Supports Agricultural Exports from the Northeast
APEDA has been working with state governments, FPOs, exporters, processors and other stakeholders to strengthen agricultural exports from the North Eastern Region.
Its activities include facilitating market connections, improving capacity, supporting quality assurance and helping stakeholders meet export requirements.
The latest shipment demonstrates how institutional support and private-sector collaboration can help local farmer organisations move towards international markets.
What This Means for Farmers
The export of mustard honey to Dubai could have wider implications for Tripura's agricultural sector. It highlights the importance of:
- Organised farmer aggregation through FPOs
- Export-oriented production
- Quality improvement and standardisation
- Value addition in agricultural products
- International market linkages
- Collaboration between farmers, exporters and government agencies
If such initiatives are expanded, more farmers and beekeepers could potentially participate in international agricultural value chains.
A Step Towards Global Markets
The first export of mustard honey from Tripura to Dubai is an important beginning for the state's honey industry. Beyond the 1 MT shipment, the development demonstrates the possibility of building stronger connections between local beekeepers, FPOs, exporters and overseas markets.
With continued focus on quality, production capacity, processing and market development, Tripura could explore further opportunities for exporting honey and other high-value agricultural products.
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