Tripura’s Success in Onion Farming inspires Assam Farmers
Agartala April 4: In a bid to learn from Tripura’s burgeoning success in onion cultivation, a delegation of 18 farmers from Assam arrived in the state on Thursday, marking a significant step in fostering agricultural collaboration between the two northeastern neighbors.
The visit, organized jointly by Tripura Agricultural College and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) under the aegis of the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture of Tripura, offered the Assam farmers a firsthand look at innovative farming techniques that have turned Tripura into a model for onion production.
The delegation’s itinerary centered on inspecting onion fields in the villages of Champamura and Lakshibil, located in Bishalgarh under Sepahijala district of Tripura.
Their mission: to understand how Tripura’s farmers, supported by academic expertise and institutional backing, have achieved remarkable yields and to explore how these methods could be adapted back home in Assam.
“This is about seeing and believing,” said a program representative, emphasizing the transformative power of experiential learning. “Direct exposure to successful practices inspires confidence and sparks innovation.”
A Collaborative Triumph
Tripura’s onion cultivation initiative is a testament to the synergy between local farmers, academic institutions, and government bodies.
With Tripura Agricultural College providing technical know-how and NABARD offering financial and logistical support, the state’s agriculture and horticulture departments have successfully demonstrated how modern techniques can elevate traditional farming.
The Assam farmers, hailing from districts like Jorhat, Sonitpur, and Kokrajhar, were keen to dissect this formula for success.
On April 3, the delegation toured fields buzzing with activity, where they witnessed the fruits of Tripura’s efforts: an impressive yield of 1,800 kilograms per kani (a local land measurement unit) across 25 kanis cultivated by 60 farmers in Bishalgarh this year.
The numbers spoke volumes, but it was the stories of individual farmers that truly captivated the visitors. Sanjit Debnath, a local farmer and the head of Lakshibil Panchayat, shared his journey of adopting onion farming with the group.
“This has been a game-changer for us,” he said, his pride evident as he described how the crop has bolstered livelihoods in the region.
Another farmer, Manik Kumar Laskar from Champamura, recounted his experience as a first-time onion grower.
“I was hesitant at first, but the support and training we received made all the difference,” he explained, gesturing toward rows of healthy onion plants swaying in the breeze.
His detailed account of the cultivation process—from soil preparation to harvest—left the Assam farmers visibly inspired.
Bridging Knowledge and Practice
The exposure visit was more than a field trip; it was a platform for knowledge exchange.
Professor Dr. Trideep Bhattacharya of Tripura Agricultural College, alongside Sector Officer Prabir Dutta and Circle In-Charge Suman Dutta from the Agriculture Department, guided the delegation through the fields, offering in-depth explanations of the techniques employed.
From precision farming and micro-irrigation to organic horticulture and post-harvest preservation, the visitors were introduced to a suite of modern practices designed to maximize yield while ensuring sustainability.
“This isn’t just about onions,” Dr. Bhattacharya noted. “It’s about equipping farmers with tools to diversify and thrive—whether it’s vegetables, cut flowers, or other high-value crops.”
The program also emphasized safe cultivation methods, addressing concerns like pesticide use and soil health, which resonated with the Assam farmers eager to adopt eco-friendly approaches in their own fields.
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A Ripple Effect of Inspiration
The enthusiasm among the Assam delegation was palpable. For many, the visit was a revelation—a chance to rethink traditional farming in their home state.
“We’ve seen what’s possible here, and it’s motivated us to try this back in Assam,” said one farmer from Sonitpur, his notebook filled with observations. The interactive sessions, where farmers from both states swapped ideas and experiences, underscored the visit’s broader goal: fostering a regional network of agricultural innovation.
The initiative aligns with a growing push across India’s northeast to modernize agriculture and boost rural economies. By showcasing Tripura’s achievements, the program not only highlights the state’s agricultural prowess but also positions it as a mentor for neighboring regions.
For the Assam farmers, the takeaways were clear: with the right support and techniques, onion farming could become a viable, income-generating venture in their own districts.
Looking Ahead
As the delegation wrapped up their visit on Thursday, the mood was one of optimism. The Tripura model, they agreed, offered a blueprint worth emulating. For the host state, the visit was a moment of pride—a chance to showcase how collaboration and innovation can yield tangible results.
With plans already underway to expand onion cultivation in Tripura, the state’s farmers and officials hope this exchange will mark the beginning of a fruitful partnership with Assam, one that could transform the agricultural landscape of the northeast.
As the Assam farmers prepare to return home, their suitcases may be light, but their minds are brimming with ideas—and perhaps a few onion bulbs to plant the seeds of change. (With inputs from Haradhan Debnath of Charilam in Tripura)
