By TC News Desk
Agartala, 27th September 2024: Agriculture Minister, Ratan Lal Nath, announced an ambitious plan to expand organic farming across 50,000 hectares in the state.
The announcement was made during a special event held at the SARS Complex in AD Nagar, Agartala, where the minister distributed transport vehicles (pick-up vans) to the Farmers Producer Company (FPC). This initiative is aimed at empowering farmers by enhancing their logistics capabilities, enabling them to efficiently transport their produce to markets and distribution centers.
Addressing the media, Minister Nath highlighted the state government’s commitment to improving farmers’ income through the promotion of organic and scientific farming methods. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for fostering a renewed focus on sustainable agriculture, which prioritizes reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
“The government is taking every necessary step to assist farmers—from cultivation to market sales. Over the past six years, we have distributed 30 vehicles to farmers, and today, we are adding four more. So far, we have formed 40 FPCs. Farming is not just about growing crops; without efficient transportation, produce can go to waste. That’s why FPCs, in collaboration with the Agriculture Department, are working to strengthen scientific and organic farming practices,” Nath stated.
In addition to the plans for exporting Bird’s Eye Chilli, the minister highlighted Tripura’s successful export of the famous Queen Pineapple to Germany, showcasing the growing global demand for Tripura’s organic produce.
“Tripura has already exported Queen Pineapples to Germany, and now there is strong interest in Bird’s Eye Chilli. We are working tirelessly to expand organic cultivation. When the BJP government assumed office, only 2,000 hectares were dedicated to organic farming. Today, that number has risen to over 26,000 hectares, and our goal is to reach 50,000 hectares soon,” Nath explained.
He also pointed out that the state is introducing new farming technologies to boost productivity and sustainability, ensuring that Tripura’s agriculture aligns with global trends and meets increasing domestic and international demands for organic products like Bird’s Eye Chilli and aromatic rice.
This large-scale push towards organic farming not only aims to strengthen the agricultural sector within the state but also to enhance Tripura’s presence in international markets, particularly in Germany, where the demand for organic products continues to grow.
