By TC News Desk
Agartala, 19th April 2025: Once bound by the limitations of single-season paddy cultivation, farmers in Tripura’s Bishalgarh sub-division are now scripting a quiet agricultural revolution—powered not just by government aid, but by their own resilience, innovation, and will to adapt.
In a transformation gaining momentum across Sepahijala District, marginal and small-scale farmers are reclaiming fallow lands and extending the cropping cycle throughout the year. The shift has not only boosted productivity but also brought in diversified sources of income for families that once depended solely on Aman paddy.
What stands out in this new chapter is the proactive role played by the farmers themselves. Armed with training, access to irrigation, and a growing understanding of crop diversification, they are cultivating mustard, pulses, kaun, flowers, sesame, vegetables, and even coffee on lands that once lay idle after the monsoon harvest.
Rustam Mia, a farmer from the area, recalls his earlier challenges. “Three kani of my land used to yield paddy once a year, and that was it. Now, thanks to better planning and support, we’re making the land work for us year-round,” he said, beaming as he pointed to blooming marigolds and ripening pulses.
Government schemes such as the Atma Project, RKVY, Krishi Sinchai Yojana, and the National Food Security Mission have played an enabling role—offering subsidies, modern equipment, and direct financial transfers to over 10,000 farmers in the 2024–25 financial year. But the real change, officials admit, has come from the grassroots level.
In villages like Lakshmibil and Champamura, once seen as stagnant zones of seasonal farming, vibrant crop diversity is now on full display. Sesame grows on 30 kani of previously barren land. In another corner, a group of 16 farmers has begun cultivating flowers on 2 hectares, opening up new revenue streams.
“This is not just about growing more—it’s about farming smarter,” said Manish Deb, whose family now enjoys better food security and extra income from winter vegetables and flower sales. “We’ve learned to use every inch of land more efficiently.”
Farmers are also turning to climate-smart solutions. In water-scarce Gokulnagar, Harisadhan Roy has taken to cultivating kaun, a hardy millet-like crop that needs less water. “It’s a strategic crop for tough months,” he said, expressing cautious optimism about market prices.
According to agriculture officials, the revival of barren land is reaching a tipping point. “With ongoing support—irrigation pumps, deep tube wells, bio-fertilizers, and continuous workshops—farmers are leading the charge toward full land utilization,” one senior official said.
In Madhya Lakshmibil, farmers like Badal Roy are already preparing for harvest, having introduced kaun over 20 kani with guidance from agriculture officers. “What we’re witnessing is a cultural shift,” Roy explained. “We’re no longer waiting for the rains or stuck in old patterns. We’re thinking ahead.”
This revival is more than an economic boost—it’s a story of determination, collaboration, and the power of local action in shaping a sustainable agricultural future.
