The present state government and the Agriculture Department never see political colours while providing benefits to farmers.

This was informed by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath.

He said this today while inaugurating the Village-Level Farmers’ Advisory Centre, Agri Development Research-cum-Training Centre with IT facilities of Poangbari Agri Sub-Division at the premises of Poangbari R.D. Block today.

The Minister said that an 89-year-old farmer is still working and cultivating paddy without waiting for the government.

“Agriculture is the foundation of our economy, and we must work to strengthen it for strengthening our nation. If agriculture fails, everything will fail. Agriculture is the most important sector. Today in Poangbari, Rs 3.12 crore has been spent. Among the 58 blocks, we have a plan to set up Krishi Sub-Divisions. Before 2018, there were 36 SA offices, and now there are 47. In every place, we will set these up where training for farmers, IT facilities, suggestions on how to use fertilizers, and expert guidance for farmers will be available, along with other facilities,” said the Minister.

The Minister said that work for seven more SA offices is underway.

“Now the definition of agriculture has changed. We are now focusing on scientific-based agriculture. In Amlighat, we have inaugurated an Rs 82 lakh Krishak Bandhu Kendra. We are giving importance to agriculture. South District is performing very well in agriculture. Government employees go on strike, but farmers never do. If they do, people will die without food. Farmers are God. Around 4.72 lakh farmers of Tripura are providing food to the people of the state. We want the development of farmers, and we do not see political colours while giving benefits to farmers. Earlier, farmers did not get space on the stage, but now we are giving them that space. Farmers and agriculture are our foundation,” he said.

The Minister informed that during the previous government’s last seven years, under the Fasal Bima Yojana, 4,922 farmers benefitted with Rs 1.70 crore, while from 2018 onwards around 1.23 lakh farmers have benefitted with Rs 10.60 crore. Earlier, there were no KVKs, but now 36 KVKs have been set up.