BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 10th January 2026: Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath today said that India is now not dependent on others and is self-reliant in every aspect.
The Minister made this statement while addressing the Swadeshi Mela 2026 at Swami Vivekananda Maidan in Agartala today.
He said that the situation has changed significantly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Now India is saying ‘we can do it,’ which is proved by the Swadeshi Mela. Earlier, others used to say India would have to listen, but now India is saying and others are listening. Our India is now not dependent on others and is self-reliant in every aspect. We are self-reliant in agriculture, industry, science and technology, etc. India is now different. Our country is showing a path to the world,” he added.
He emphasized that behind this change is the hard work of common people, the sweat of farmers, laborers’ work, the merit of youths, and the contribution of mothers.
“When we use Swadeshi products, the money remains in the country, industry flourishes, and poverty declines. We must think and understand this. We don’t want politics that neglect farmers, laborers, and youths. We want politics where industry flourishes in villages, women become self-reliant, and youths get employment. The Swadeshi Mela is one such example. Swadeshi means going forward with self-confidence. This initiative is really important. The Purbasa Mela was also held earlier; in 2024-25, it sold products worth Rs 8.69 crore, and in 2025-26, Rs 7.77 crore, while before 2018, it sold Rs 3.50 crore yearly. Vocal for Local is very important,” said the Minister.
He also informed that in the state, there are a total of 54,627 Self Help Groups with 4.89 lakh members. Before 2018, around 3,506 groups received a revolving fund of Rs 4.26 crore, while the current government has provided Rs 75 crore to 36,530 groups. “This is an example of self-reliance. This is what Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas stands for. We must highlight self-help groups, support start-ups, and promise to use Swadeshi products,” said the Agriculture Minister.
During the event, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowhury, Panchayat Minister Kishor Barman, Chief Whip and MLA Kalyani Saha Roy, Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, and others were present.
