The state government has given special importance to increasing food grain production, making the state self-sufficient in food, and ensuring the overall development of agriculture and improving the socio-economic conditions of farmers.
This was stated by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath today after inaugurating the Agri Development Research Cum Training Center and Krishak Bandhu Center in Jubarajnagar, North Tripura.
He said that out of the eight districts in the state, three districts—South Tripura, Gomati and Sepahijala—are self-sufficient in food grain production.
“Khowai district is self-sufficient in rice production, while Unakoti and Dhalai districts are also on the path to self-sufficiency in food grain production. North Tripura and West Tripura districts are currently a little behind,” he said.
The minister said that earlier, apart from the capital Agartala and the district headquarters, there was a considerable lack of well-planned infrastructure under the Agriculture Department to reach farmers in other agricultural subdivisions.
“The state government has formulated a special plan to establish one agricultural subdivision in each block to ensure the proper utilisation of the state's agricultural land, provide various modern agricultural inputs to farmers at the right time, and directly reach farmers through the proper implementation of the benefits of central and state government schemes,” he said.
The minister said that out of the total 58 blocks in Tripura, the number of agricultural subdivisions currently stands at 47, compared to 36 before 2018. In addition, there are nine horticulture subdivisions, compared to eight before 2018.
“The state government is giving special priority to developing modern infrastructure for agricultural subdivision offices to ensure the overall development of the agricultural system. Keeping this objective in mind, initiatives have been taken since 2023–24 to modernise a total of 28 agricultural subdivision office buildings. A total of Rs 75 crore 41 lakh has been allocated for these projects under four schemes: RIDF, Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), NEC and Special Assistance Capital,” he said.
He further stated that the new office building of the Jubarajnagar agricultural subdivision was inaugurated today, with an expenditure of Rs 3.12 crore allocated under the RIDF project.
“On the upper floor of this modern office building, there will be a training hall for farmers, computers, internet facilities, projectors to provide farmers with the latest agricultural technical knowledge, video conferencing facilities and other amenities. This initiative of the state government will play a supportive role in expanding science-based agricultural practices,” he added.
