BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 17th December 2025: Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Rajib Bhattacharjee on Tuesday strongly advocated for the conferment of Geographical Indication (GI) tags on several organic fruits and agricultural products from Tripura, raising the issue in the Upper House to highlight the need for sustainable development and economic self-reliance of the state’s farmers and tribal communities, particularly in its hilly regions.
Addressing the House, Bhattacharjee said the central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been consistently working towards farmer welfare. He cited the successful granting of the GI tag to Tripura’s iconic “Queen Pineapple” as a major achievement, noting that it has helped farmers gain international recognition and secure a distinct presence in global markets.
Emphasizing Tripura’s rich agricultural diversity and long-standing tradition of organic farming, the MP underlined that the state occupies a unique position in India’s agrarian landscape. In this context, he called for GI tag protection for other prominent produce from the state, including Gandharaj lemon, brown rice, jackfruit, Kali Khassa, and Binni rice cultivated through the traditional jhum (shifting cultivation) method.
Bhattacharjee asserted that securing GI tags for these products would not only enhance Tripura’s global brand value but also significantly improve the economic prospects of its farming community. He added that such recognition would provide fresh momentum to the agricultural economy of tribal-dominated areas, fostering sustainable growth, preserving traditional farming practices, and ensuring improved livelihoods for farmers.
