Tripura Government has decided to spend over Rs 65 crore to increase the production of Aman Paddy this year. For this purpose, the Government will provide the farmers with technical support as well as financial assistance and distribution of agri-fertilizers.
Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department Minister of Tripura Ratan Lal Nath revealed the information after attending a special workshop on July 17 (Monday) in which around 300 officials and staff of the department took part.
Later, Nath held a press conference on Monday and said the Ayush production was hampered this year owing to inadequate rainfall.
Normally Ayush is cultivated in 29,000 ha land. However, owing to less rainfall, cultivation could be done in only 7485 ha land this year. Nath also informed the media that the State experienced 59 percent less rainfall during the Ayush season.
“In an attempt to cover up the loss in production and generate an excess production, the State Government has laid special emphasis through the implementation of the Mukhyamantri Integrated Crop Management Programme as announced in the Budget 2023-24”, Nath said.
A detailed plan to successfully implement the Programme across the State and achieve the required increase in production was discussed in Monday’s workshop with agri-officials.
Focusing on the discussion, the Agriculture Minister of Tripura said, the State government has targeted Aman production in 1 lakh 48 thousand ha land out of which the Government is determined to cultivate in at least 1 lakh 16 thousand ha.
“For this purpose, the State government will spend an additional Rs 65 crore 77 lakh for Aman cultivation this year. The Government also targets additional Aman production of 500 kg per ha to cover up the Ayush loss and generate a surplus. Normally, 3200 kg Aman is produced per ha in the State, this year’s target is to produce an additional 500 kg per ha”, Nath informed the media.
Even as Aman season is also facing around 18 percent less rainfall till July 15, the Agri-department is hopeful that there will be adequate rainfall in the remaining months of the monsoon season.
To materialize the additional 500 kg/Ha Aman production, agri-experts of the State and other States suggested five basic principles to be practiced by the farmers. The experts’ views and suggestions will be disseminated through different workshops and events to the farmers.
Besides, the State Government will also provide financial assistance and arrange distribution of fertilizers free of cost.
The Minister announced, “The State Government would give farmers around Rs 904 per kani (Rs 5650 per Ha) to encourage farmers’ participation in fulfilling the targeted increase in Aman production. Out of the Rs 904, the farmers would get Rs 663 through the DBT as labour wages etc. Besides, the government will also supply 6 kg Urea free of cost to the farmers (the cost comes under Rs 904). Moreover, the farmers will get a refund of Rs 270 after producing vouchers for purchasing SSP, MOP and Organic fertilizers”.
Nath also said DWS officials were contacted regarding tackling the situation resulting from less-than-expected rainfall in the Aman season.
He reiterated the Government is committed to augmenting the Aman production so that farmers can overcome losses incurred during the Ayush season owing to less rainfall.
He also narrated about the Government’s other initiatives including paddy procurement to benefit the farmers of the State.