Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has stressed the need to protect agricultural land while promoting industrial development, saying the state must maintain a balance between economic expansion and farmland conservation. The statement was made during the Khet Bachao Abhiyan programme at Bamutia in West Tripura on June 26, 2026.
Quick Glance: Key Takeaways
- CM Dr Manik Saha said fertile agricultural land should not be diverted unnecessarily.
- Government plans to encourage industries on unused and designated industrial land.
- Khet Bachao Abhiyan focuses on soil health and sustainable farming.
- Tripura is attempting to balance rural livelihood protection with economic growth.
Agartala: Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has highlighted farmland protection as a key priority while discussing the state’s development roadmap.
Addressing the Khet Bachao Abhiyan programme, the Chief Minister said agricultural land is a valuable resource that requires careful management.
He stated that the government does not want fertile farmland to be converted for unrelated purposes. However, he also emphasized that industrial development and ease of doing business remain important for economic progress.
The Chief Minister said the state must follow a balanced approach where industries grow without damaging the agricultural foundation of rural communities.
Furthermore, he suggested that industrial projects should preferably use unused land and areas already identified for industrial activities.
This approach reflects a larger development debate across the Northeast, where governments are attempting to attract investment while protecting traditional livelihoods and ecological resources.
Agricultural Land Protection Becomes Central to Sustainable Growth Strategy
Speaking to the media including Enewstime, officials confirmed that every land-use proposal involving agricultural areas will remain under government scrutiny.
The focus, according to the Chief Minister, is to protect the interests of farmers while creating opportunities for economic expansion.
Tripura’s agriculture sector supports a large rural population. Therefore, any change in land-use policy directly affects employment, food production and village-level economies.
Moreover, farmland protection has become increasingly important due to growing concerns over climate change, soil degradation and changing agricultural conditions.
The government’s position highlights a three-way challenge:
| Development Area | Key Concern |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Protect productive farmland and farmer livelihoods |
| Industry | Create jobs and attract investment |
| Environment | Maintain soil quality and ecological balance |
Consequently, land management decisions are expected to influence Tripura’s economic direction in the coming years.
Khet Bachao Abhiyan Focuses on Soil Health and Future Farming
The Khet Bachao Abhiyan campaign has brought attention to the importance of protecting cultivable land and improving soil conditions.
The programme was launched nationally with the aim of promoting sustainable farming practices and addressing concerns related to declining soil fertility.
Chief Minister Saha said excessive and unbalanced use of chemical fertilizers has affected soil quality over time.
Specifically, he pointed to concerns linked with repeated use of fertilizers such as urea and DAP.
He encouraged farmers to adopt scientific farming methods, balanced nutrient management and environmentally responsible practices.
Furthermore, he stated that agriculture cannot focus only on immediate production benefits.
According to the Chief Minister, sustainable farming is necessary to protect food security and ensure future generations inherit productive agricultural resources.
Income Growth and Farmland Security
The Chief Minister also highlighted the government’s claim that farmer income in Tripura has increased from around ₹6,000 per month in 2015-16 to above ₹13,000.
The income discussion connects directly with the farmland protection debate.
Higher farmer earnings require not only financial support but also access to productive land, stable markets and sustainable farming systems.
However, protecting agricultural land is becoming more complex as states seek industrial expansion.
For Tripura, the challenge is creating new economic opportunities without weakening the agricultural sector.
The state’s future development model may depend on how effectively it combines investment, environmental protection and rural welfare.
News Analysis: Enewstime Desk’s Perspective
For farming communities, safer storage facilities, stronger supply chains and disaster-resilient rural infrastructure can reduce vulnerability during natural calamities.
Furthermore, sustainable land management can support environmental stability.
From a long-term perspective, protecting farmland is not only an agricultural issue. It is also connected with climate resilience, food security and community safety.
The government’s approach of using non-agricultural land for industrial projects reflects an attempt to manage competing priorities.
Tripura’s development path will ultimately be measured by whether economic growth can move forward without compromising agricultural security and environmental balance.
