Tripura News: Focus on Doubling farmers’ income, Tripura Govt ramps up paddy procurement
In a bid to boost farmer welfare and double their income, the Tripura government has been purchasing Boro paddy from farmers at a Minimum Support Price (MSP). This initiative aligns with the state's focus on prioritizing agricultural development, said Agriculture Minister Ratna Lal Nath.
Nath inaugurated the paddy procurement program at Jolaibari Motor Stand in South Tripura on Saturday. He emphasized the importance of agriculture as the sector with the most significant employment opportunities. A strong rural infrastructure and improved well-being for the underprivileged and farmers are crucial for a robust national economy, Nath highlighted.
Speaking at the event, Food Minister Sushanta Chowdhury acknowledged the central government's initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly the Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, which provides financial assistance to farmers. Chowdhury also detailed the state government's efforts to double farmers' income through support price procurement.
The state government has already procured 2 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from farmers at the MSP after BJP came into power in the State in 2018, resulting in a payout of Rs 300 crore 82 lakh. This year, the target is to procure 15,000 metric tonnes. To facilitate this, paddy procurement centers have been established in 31 out of 58 blocks across Tripura. The government will be purchasing paddy at Rs 21.83 per kilogram.
Nath also highlighted other schemes like Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance scheme), and soil testing programs that contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector and farmer well-being. Besides, the state provides agricultural equipment at subsidized rates to encourage farmers to adopt modern farming practices.
Tripura's Cooperative Minister, Shuklacharan Noatia, commended the government's initiatives for farmer welfare, stating that these programs have demonstrably benefited the state's agricultural community.
(Tripura, Tripura News)