Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath has urged young agricultural professionals to take a leading role in transforming the farm sector of the State, with greater emphasis on research, farmer income, market access, soil health and climate-resilient farming.
Key Takeaways
- Research-led agriculture: Tripura needs locally relevant agricultural research to address its farm-sector challenges.
- Higher farmer income: The focus must extend beyond production to lower costs, better prices and stronger market access.
- Climate resilience: Soil, water and biodiversity protection will be crucial to the future of sustainable agriculture in the state.
Tripura must develop agricultural solutions based on research and local conditions while preparing its farming sector for the challenges posed by climate change, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said.
Addressing the 20th Foundation Day and Graduation Day 2026 of the College of Agriculture, Tripura, Nath described agriculture as more than a profession. He called it a foundation of civilisation and a key pillar of food security, the rural economy and environmental sustainability.
The Minister also highlighted the expanding role of agricultural education and research in the state. He said young agricultural professionals can become key drivers of Tripura’s agricultural transformation.
Agriculture central to food security and rural economy
Nath said agriculture must be viewed as a critical sector because every person has a basic right to food.
He noted that discussions about the future often focus on Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, industry and space technology. However, he stressed that agriculture also belongs in that list.
According to the Minister, agriculture represents the future of food as well as the rural economy. It is also closely connected with the future of the environment and human civilisation.
He said an agricultural education should not be limited to obtaining a degree. It should also prepare students to take responsibility for food security.
“Studying agriculture is not simply about obtaining a degree. It is about accepting responsibility for ensuring food security for people,” he said.
Focus on self-reliant farmers
The Minister said the College of Agriculture, Tripura, has witnessed significant expansion in education, research, training and academic exposure since 2014.
He said the state now needs to build a stronger agricultural system around the goal of self-reliant farmers, self-reliant villages and a self-reliant Tripura.
Nath stressed that higher agricultural production alone will not guarantee better incomes for farmers. Farmers also need stronger links with markets.
He said the government’s agricultural priorities include improving farm incomes, reducing production costs, ensuring appropriate prices for agricultural produce and connecting farmers with national and international markets.
“Agriculture is much more than an economic activity. It serves as the backbone of the rural economy, supports food security and remains closely connected with the livelihoods of millions of people,” the Minister said.
Soil health and biodiversity remain priorities
Nath also called for an agricultural model that balances productivity with environmental protection.
He said future agricultural planning must give equal importance to soil health, biodiversity, water conservation and environmental sustainability.
The Minister warned that weakness in agriculture would have consequences beyond the farming sector.
A weak agricultural sector could affect the rural economy, food security, farmers’ incomes and employment. It could also increase pressure on the environment.
The remarks underline the need for a broader approach to agricultural development, where higher production does not come at the expense of the natural resources that support farming.
Climate-resilient agriculture needed
Nath identified climate change as one of the biggest challenges that agriculture will face in the future.
He said Tripura must develop farming systems capable of responding to changing climatic conditions while protecting the resources required for agriculture.
The Minister also stressed the importance of preserving agricultural soil, water resources and biodiversity for future generations.
“We must recognise our responsibility to preserve agricultural soil, water and biodiversity so that they remain available for generations to come. Climate change will be among the major challenges facing agriculture in the future. We must therefore build an agricultural system capable of responding to climate change,” he said.
Young professionals can drive farm transformation
Nath placed particular emphasis on the role of young agricultural professionals in the state’s future.
He said students and graduates trained in agriculture have the knowledge and opportunity to contribute to a major transformation of Tripura’s farming sector.
“You are educated young agricultural professionals. You have the opportunity to become the new face of Tripura’s agricultural transformation,” he added.
The Minister’s message placed research, education, market connectivity, farmer income and climate resilience at the centre of Tripura’s agricultural priorities. The approach also seeks to link farm-sector growth with rural livelihoods and long-term environmental sustainability.
