Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament Rajib Bhattacharjee has raised a strong demand in the Upper House for granting Geographical Indication (GI) tags to various organic fruits and agricultural products produced in Tripura. 

He urged the House to take note of the issue with the objective of ensuring overall development and economic self-reliance of the state’s tribal communities and farmers in the hilly regions.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Bhattacharjee said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the central government has been working relentlessly for the welfare of farmers. As a result of these efforts, Tripura’s renowned “Queen Pineapple” has already been granted a GI tag, providing the state’s farmers with international recognition and a distinct identity in global markets.

The MP further highlighted that Tripura’s agricultural diversity and tradition of organic farming are unique in the country. In view of this, he stressed the need to extend GI tag protection to other agricultural products of the state, including Gandharaj lemon, brown rice, jackfruit, Kali Khassa, and Binni rice cultivated under the traditional jhum (shifting cultivation) method.

According to Bhattacharjee, granting GI tags to these products would not only enhance Tripura’s global reputation but also significantly strengthen the economic condition of its farming community. He added that such recognition would give a fresh boost to the agricultural economy of the state’s tribal-dominated areas, paving the way for sustainable development and improved livelihoods.