Tripura has launched two farmer-run Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) to improve access to modern agricultural machinery for small and marginal farmers. The initiative, supported by ICAR, aims to reduce farming costs, tackle labour shortages and promote mechanized agriculture through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
Key Takeaways
- Two Custom Hiring Centres launched to provide farm machinery on affordable rental.
- ICAR says farm mechanization in Northeast India remains around 10 percent and needs rapid expansion.
- Farmer Producer Organizations will manage the centres to improve productivity and generate rural employment.
Agartala: Tripura has taken another step towards modernizing agriculture by launching two Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) that will provide modern farm machinery to small and marginal farmers on rent. The initiative seeks to lower cultivation costs, improve farm efficiency and reduce dependence on manual labour.
The ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Tripura Centre, launched the centres during a one-day workshop on farm mechanization. Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of West Tripura and South Tripura jointly organized the programme under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP).
The centres will enable farmers to use advanced agricultural equipment without making large investments. Officials believe the model will improve productivity while making mechanization affordable for resource-poor farmers.
Affordable Machinery for Small Farmers
Many farmers in Tripura own small landholdings and cannot afford expensive agricultural equipment. The new Custom Hiring Centres aim to bridge this gap by offering machinery on affordable rental.
Farmers can hire power tillers, rotavators, cultivators, grass cutters, water pumps, land levellers and several other farm implements whenever required. This system eliminates the need for individual ownership while ensuring timely farming operations.
Experts say the rental model will reduce cultivation expenses and help farmers complete critical agricultural activities within the right season.
ICAR Highlights Need for Faster Farm Mechanization
Forest, General Administration (Printing & Stationery), and Science, Technology & Environment Minister Animesh Debbarma inaugurated the programme in the presence of scientists, agricultural officials, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and farmers.
Speaking at the event, B. U. Choudhury, Head of the ICAR Tripura Centre, said farm mechanization in Northeast India remains only around 10 percent. He stressed the need to increase mechanization to nearly 50 percent to improve productivity and address the growing shortage of agricultural labour.
He also emphasized the development of agricultural machinery suited to the hilly terrain of the Northeast. According to him, location-specific technologies can help farmers achieve better yields while reducing physical effort.
Farmer Producer Organizations to Operate the Centres
The newly established centres will be managed by local Farmer Producer Organizations.
Bagma Agri Producer Company Limited will operate the facility for Gomati and South Tripura districts. Hathaikotor Hukumu Agro Fed Farmer Producer Cooperative Society Ltd. will manage operations in West Tripura district.
ICAR Tripura Centre signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with both organizations to ensure efficient management and delivery of mechanization services.
The partnership gives FPOs a larger role in strengthening rural agriculture while creating new livelihood opportunities.
Rental Model Can Reduce Farming Costs
Ganesh Das, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK West Tripura, said the Custom Hiring Centre model offers a practical solution for small farmers who cannot purchase costly machinery.
He explained that affordable rentals would reduce production costs, improve operational efficiency and help farmers overcome labour shortages. Timely access to equipment will also support better crop management and higher agricultural output.
Agricultural experts believe this community-based model can increase the adoption of mechanized farming across Tripura.
Minister Calls for Technology-Driven Agriculture
During the programme, Animesh Debbarma highlighted the importance of integrating technology into farming.
He referred to flagship initiatives of the Government of India, including PM-KISAN, the Digital Agriculture Mission, drone-assisted agriculture and the promotion of Farmer Producer Organizations.
The minister urged scientists and agricultural extension workers to organize more field demonstrations and training programmes in local languages. He said practical demonstrations would help farmers adopt improved technologies more quickly.
He also encouraged farmers to diversify into high-value crops such as pineapple, black rice and rubber to increase farm income.
Machinery and Seed Kits Distributed
The programme concluded with the distribution of agricultural machinery to the two Custom Hiring Centres.
Officials handed over power tillers, rotavators, cultivators, land levellers, grass cutters, water pumps and other farm implements. Participating farmers also received vegetable seed kits developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) along with small farm tools.
Tripura Strengthens Mechanized Farming
The launch of the two Custom Hiring Centres marks an important step in Tripura’s effort to modernize agriculture. By making modern machinery affordable through Farmer Producer Organizations, the initiative aims to improve farm productivity, reduce cultivation costs and generate rural employment.
Agriculture experts believe the model can serve as a scalable solution for other districts as Tripura continues its push towards technology-driven and sustainable farming.
