144 rural markets in Tripura to boost self-reliance of State farmers
A new seed of hope was sown at the foothills of Tulashikhar in Tripura under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare — the foundation stone for a rural market. Minister Ratan Lal Nath said, the hilly slopes of jhum cultivation and the green plains together seem to be nurturing a new harvest of optimism.
Agartala, Nov 5: In a major step towards achieving self-reliance in agricultural production, the Tripura government has built 144 rural markets across the state at a total cost of Rs 303.44 crore since the BJP assumed office in 2018, said Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Wednesday.
Speaking at an official programme in Khowai district, the minister announced that apart from the existing 144 markets, the state plans to establish one rural market in each of the 60 Assembly constituencies. This initiative aims to ensure that farmers can sell their produce smoothly and without middlemen.
Nath, who also holds the Power and Parliamentary Affairs portfolios, informed that the rural markets were developed with financial support from NABARD under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
“From 2018–19 to the present, ₹303.44 crore has been utilized for constructing these markets. During the corresponding seven-year period under the previous Left Front government, only ₹20 crore was spent on market development,” he stated.
Highlighting the progress in food grain production, Nath said that Dhalai and Khowai districts are on the verge of achieving self-sufficiency, while South Tripura, Sepahijala, and Gomati districts have already attained that goal. The state government, he added, is now emphasizing urban farming initiatives in cities to enhance food security.
The minister pointed out that while Tripura receives ample rainfall conducive to good harvests, pest infestation remains a key challenge. “Earlier, we had to import potatoes from outside the state. Within the next three years, we aim to be self-sufficient in potato and onion production. Farmers are also being encouraged to grow more pulses, and our focus on organic farming is showing positive results,” he said.
Acknowledging the state’s limited cultivable land, Nath remarked, “If we had more arable land, production could be even higher. Our farmers are extremely hardworking. With favourable rainfall, Dhalai and Khowai will also achieve food grain self-sufficiency. In West Tripura, where land availability is low due to higher population density, we are promoting urban horticulture.”
The minister further mentioned that the ‘Pradhan Mantri Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana’, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 11, has identified 100 districts nationwide — including North Tripura — to accelerate agricultural growth.
“In terms of rice yield, Tripura ranks sixth in India. The national average is 2,882 kg per hectare, while Tripura records 3,299 kg per hectare,” Nath informed. “For pulses, the national average stands at 881 kg per hectare, whereas Tripura’s yield is 856 kg per hectare, only slightly lower.”
On the distribution of agricultural loans, he said Sepahijala district tops the list, followed by South Tripura and West Tripura, while North Tripura has comparatively fewer loan beneficiaries. These aspects, Nath noted, are being closely monitored at the national level.
He reiterated that the agriculture department is giving special importance to pulse cultivation. “Agriculture is the backbone of India’s economy. Prime Minister Modi envisions transforming India into a hub of modern and sustainable farming, and turning the country into the grain bank of the world,” the minister asserted.
Nath concluded by stating that nearly 70 percent of Tripura’s population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture for livelihood. “Achieving agricultural self-reliance means leading the state toward economic independence. The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department is working relentlessly to enhance farmers’ income and make Tripura self-sufficient in food crop production,” he said.
This market will serve as a bridge where the hard work and sweat of farmers will receive their rightful value. More than 58,000 people will reach the threshold of new opportunities. The Minister said, this market will not merely be a place for trade; it will become the focal point of a rural economic renaissance, Nath said on Tuesday.(With inputs from IANS)
