Farmers are the backbone of Tripura’s development, and the state government is focusing on agriculture, tourism, and allied sectors such as horticulture, fisheries, solar energy, and forestry to ensure sustainable growth, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Tuesday.

The Minister was addressing a programme at the Oil Palm plantation in Fatikchhara Tea Garden. Highlighting the government’s vision, Nath said Tripura must reduce its dependence on imported edible oil. 

“Our country spends a huge amount of money on importing edible oil. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed on making India self-reliant, and Tripura will contribute to this mission through oil palm cultivation,” he said.

Emphasizing the role of farmers, Nath said: “Without agriculture and allied sectors, development is not possible. Farmers are central to Tripura’s growth, and we are committed to doubling their income as well as that of the local people.”

On the state’s economic progress, the Minister said that per capita income has risen from ₹1.40 lakh before the present government came to power to ₹1.98 lakh now. “By 2030, per capita income in Tripura will reach ₹3.70 lakh, and by 2047 it will touch ₹19.86 lakh. As income rises, people’s purchasing power will also increase, leading to better livelihoods,” he said.

To boost oil palm cultivation, the state government has signed agreements with Godrej Agrovet and Patanjali. While Godrej will cover North, Unakoti, and Dhalai districts, Patanjali will operate in Khowai, West, Gomati, South, and Sepahijala districts. The companies will establish oil palm nurseries across the state, set up dedicated processing factories, and buy palm produce directly from farmers at their farm gates.

Nath further announced that at least one One-Stop Solution Center will be set up in every district under the Oil Palm project to provide farmers with saplings, technical support, and market linkages.

“The aim is to create a self-sufficient, farmer-driven economy where agriculture and allied sectors power Tripura’s overall development,” the Minister said.