Tripura Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath inaugurated a solar-powered cold chamber during the Third State-Level Mango Festival at Narikelkunj in Gandatwisa in Tripura, describing it as a major step towards strengthening mango growers’ livelihoods. The facility aims to reduce post-harvest losses, improve storage, and help farmers secure better prices while supporting the state’s broader horticulture development strategy.
Agartala/Gandatwisa: Tripura Government took another step towards strengthening its horticulture sector on Thursday as Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath inaugurated a solar-powered cold chamber during the Third State-Level Mango Festival at Narikelkunj in Gandatwisa. The new storage facility is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access for growers and enhance the income of mango farmers across the region.
The one-day festival, organised at the Helipad Ground in Narikelkunj, brought together farmers, horticulture experts, public representatives and officials to showcase the state’s expanding fruit cultivation sector. The minister formally inaugurated the event by watering a sapling, symbolising the state’s commitment to sustainable agricultural growth.
Solar-powered cold chamber to benefit mango growers
Speaking at the inauguration, Nath described the newly commissioned solar-powered cold chamber as a significant milestone for mango growers.
“As an important step towards strengthening the dreams and aspirations of mango growers, I inaugurated a solar-powered cold chamber today at Narikel Kunj,” the minister said.
He said the facility represents a blend of modern technology and environmentally sustainable practices that can transform post-harvest management in rural areas.
“This integration of technology with nature will add greater value to the hard work of our farmers, while the unwavering commitment of the state government and the Agriculture Department will help build a more prosperous and sustainable future for agriculture,” he said.
According to Nath, the cold chamber will make storing fruits and other agricultural produce much easier, significantly reducing spoilage after harvest. Farmers will be able to preserve their produce for 10 to 12 days, allowing them additional time to transport and market their fruits instead of being compelled to sell immediately after harvesting.
The minister said the initiative would help cultivators obtain fair prices for their produce by reducing distress sales during peak harvesting periods.
“This modern initiative will make the storage of agricultural produce much easier, reduce post-harvest losses, and enable farmers to secure fair prices for their produce. In particular, it marks the beginning of a significant positive change in the lives of mango growers, helping them move further towards economic self-reliance,” Nath said.
Gandatwisa emerges as a major mango-growing region
Highlighting the growing horticulture sector in the State, Nath said India continues to rank first globally in mango production, with an average yield of 9.5 metric tonnes per hectare.
He noted that Gandatwisa has emerged as one of the state’s leading mango-producing regions, recording an average yield of nearly 9 metric tonnes per hectare, close to the national average.
The minister commented that mango cultivation now covers nearly 10,000 hectares across the State. Of this, around 3,000 hectares are located in Gandatwisa alone, underlining the area’s importance in the state’s fruit economy.
The government has launched multiple programmes aimed at strengthening cultivation, improving infrastructure and enhancing post-harvest management to further increase farmers’ earnings, the Minister said.
Focus on value addition and exports
Nath also highlighted the economic potential of horticultural products of the State beyond fresh fruit sales.
He said the renowned Queen Pineapple can be utilised for producing cosmetic products as well as high-quality fibre, creating opportunities for value addition and agro-based industries.
The minister added that Queen Pineapple is already being exported from Tripura to several countries, contributing to foreign exchange earnings. He said the government intends to expand such opportunities by increasing the production of both pineapple and mango under a comprehensive horticulture development strategy.
According to Nath, the state has prepared a multi-pronged plan to enhance fruit cultivation while supporting farmers through improved infrastructure and market linkages.
New plans for agriculture and rural development
During his address, Nath also announced that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for an 11 MW hydropower project using water from the Dumbur reservoir.
Although primarily an infrastructure initiative, he indicated that improved irrigation and rural development would complement agricultural expansion in the surrounding areas.
The minister also appealed to farmers not to leave cultivable land idle. Instead, he urged them to utilise fallow land for cultivating turmeric, ginger and various fruit crops, saying crop diversification could improve rural incomes while strengthening the state’s agricultural economy.
Public representatives back government’s initiatives
Addressing the gathering, MLA Nandita Debbarma (Reang) said the present state government has been working for the welfare and development of every section of society. She noted that investments in agriculture and horticulture are creating new livelihood opportunities in rural Tripura.
Former Member of Parliament Rebati Mohan Tripura also spoke at the programme, highlighting the importance of strengthening the horticulture sector and encouraging farmers to adopt improved agricultural practices.
The event was chaired by Pradip Kumar Jamatia, Chairman of the Raisyabari Block Advisory Committee.
Festival showcases horticulture potential
The Third State-Level Mango Festival featured 35 exhibition stalls, where government departments, farmers, self-help groups and agricultural entrepreneurs displayed different varieties of mangoes, horticultural products, processed foods and farming technologies.
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Director of the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Dr. Phanibhushan Jamatia, delivered the welcome address and emphasised the department’s continued efforts to improve productivity, promote scientific cultivation and strengthen market support for growers.
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With the inauguration of the solar-powered cold chamber and renewed emphasis on value addition, storage infrastructure and sustainable farming practices, the state government aims to improve the profitability of fruit cultivation while positioning Tripura as an emerging horticulture hub in Northeast India.
The initiative is expected to particularly benefit mango growers in Gandatwisa, where expanding production now requires stronger post-harvest infrastructure to minimise losses and maximise farmers’ returns.