Tripura is in the top position in paddy production among the eight Northern States and second in terms of cropping intensity. State Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department Minister Ratan Lal Nath informed the media in Agartala on Friday.
Nath said, “According to the ICAR, Tripura is in the first position in paddy production and marching forward to attain self-sufficiency. When surveyed about cropping intensity, Tripura came in the second position – Sikkim is in the top spot”.
In this connection, the State Agriculture Minister asserted steps have been taken to improve the cropping intensity further.
Nath was speaking to the media after taking part in the North-East region in the meeting of the 26th Regional Committee of ICAR at the Krishi Bhawan in Agartala today. Union MoS for Agriculture Kailash Choudhury, Chief Ministers of the North eastern States and ICAR scientist also attended the programme in virtual mode.
Nath also said even as Tripura is in top position in paddy cultivation, the State is yet to attain self-sufficiency as the State is experiencing 19.48 percent deficit to reach the self sufficiency goal. He asserted that the State is making forward stride to attain self-sufficiency in paddy cultivation.
The meeting of the 26th Regional Committee of ICAR continued throughout the day. After opening session, technical sessions would be started in which State Agricultural officers and concerned officials take part.
During the virtual conference, Nath demanded merger of the Tripura’s Agriculture College with the Central Agricultural University at Imphal. This will facilitate our students to do their research, he said adding that the College is affiliated under the Tripura Central University, at present.
Talking about the State’s requirement and demands, Ratan Lal Nath urged the ICAR scientists to develop short-term variety of paddy for Kharif season. Referring to the erratic climate, Nath told the ICAR scientists that very short time duration variety of paddy will immensely benefit farmers of the State. He also made similar appeal to the ICAR for nut, mashroom and other such crops.
On another note, Ratan Lal Nath hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the initiative to provide drones to women self-help groups for use in agriculture.
