A 20-tonne shipment of organic pineapples grown in Assam’s Cachar district was sent to New Delhi on Thursday, marking a key milestone in the region’s organic farming journey.
The consignment, cultivated and packaged by Hmar Agro Organic Producer Company Ltd., was flagged off in Lakhipur by Cachar District Agriculture Officer Dr. A.R. Ahamed.
This shipment was made possible through the support of Trifac Agro Pvt Ltd., showcasing the collaboration between local growers and private partners within the agricultural supply chain.
Dr. Ahamed stated that organic pineapple farming currently spans about 1,500 hectares across Rajabazar, Binnakandi, and Lakhipur blocks of Cachar, engaging nearly 2,000 farmers.
The area produces an estimated 40,000 metric tonnes of pineapples annually.
These pineapples are regularly transported to nearby states such as Mizoram and Nagaland, in addition to other regions across India.
Dr. Ahamed also mentioned a previous export to Dubai and shared plans for another air shipment from Guwahati, pending the restoration of road connectivity between Silchar and Guwahati.
The flag-off event was attended by several dignitaries, including Sub-Divisional Agriculture Officer (Horticulture) Dr. N.C. Das, Assam Gaurav awardee Manthan Hmar, Farmer Producer Company Chairman Lalpiwng Hmar, and CEO Makhanlal Dosad.
Their presence highlighted the ongoing commitment to promoting farmers and expanding the market for organic produce from the district.
Key Terms and Concepts
What is organic farming and why is it important in 2025?
Organic farming refers to agricultural practices that avoid synthetic chemicals and prioritize sustainability. In 2025, organic farming is gaining global traction due to rising health awareness, environmental concerns, and increasing demand for chemical-free food. It also opens up international market opportunities for small-scale farmers in regions like Northeast India.
What role do Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) play in Indian agriculture?
FPCs are collective enterprises formed by farmers to improve their bargaining power, streamline marketing, and share resources like storage and transport. In 2025, FPCs are central to India’s strategy for rural empowerment and organic produce scaling, as seen in the case of Hmar Agro Organic Producer Company Ltd.
What is the significance of Assam’s pineapple exports in 2025?
Assam’s organic pineapple exports are crucial because they demonstrate how local produce from remote districts can tap into national and international markets. With the global organic food market projected to reach record levels in 2025, such exports signal India’s readiness to compete in this high-value segment.
How does agricultural logistics affect exports in Northeast India?
Poor infrastructure and connectivity often hinder timely agricultural exports from Northeast India. The news highlights how road links between Silchar and Guwahati impact air shipments, underlining the importance of logistics improvements under current government schemes like PM Gati Shakti in 2025.
What is Trifac Agro Pvt Ltd and why is public-private partnership important in agriculture?
Trifac Agro Pvt Ltd’s support in this shipment underscores the growing role of private companies in strengthening the agri-supply chain. Public-private partnerships are key in 2025 to bridge gaps in financing, logistics, and market access for farmers, especially in underserved regions.
How is India promoting organic exports in 2025?
India is actively promoting organic exports through initiatives like the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) and organic certification support. This aligns with the government’s goal to boost agri-exports to $100 billion by 2030, with significant focus in 2025 on fruits like pineapple, mango, and banana.
What are the environmental benefits of organic pineapple cultivation?
Organic pineapple farming reduces pesticide runoff, improves soil health, and conserves biodiversity. In 2025, these practices are aligned with India’s commitments under international climate agreements, including updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) post-COP28.
How does the agriculture sector support rural economies in 2025?
Agriculture remains the largest source of employment in rural India. In 2025, initiatives like organic farming not only boost incomes for farmers but also create allied job opportunities in packaging, transport, and marketing, as seen in Cachar district.
What challenges do farmers face in exporting produce internationally?
Despite high-quality produce, Indian farmers face hurdles like lack of cold storage, export certifications, and volatile pricing. In 2025, the government is addressing these issues through agri-export hubs, but gaps remain, particularly for producers in the Northeast.
Why is Northeast India emerging as a key player in India’s agri-export strategy?
The region’s unique agro-climatic conditions support diverse crops, and its proximity to Southeast Asian markets positions it strategically. With policy focus increasing in 2025, Northeast India is being integrated into national and international agri-supply chains through better infrastructure and market linkages.
