BY TC News Desk
Agartala, October 18: In a significant development highlighting the pivotal role of agriculture in the state’s economy, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratanlal Nath announced today that agriculture and agriculture-related sectors are the lifeblood of the state’s financial well-being. A staggering 43 percent of the state’s total GDP is derived from these sectors, underscoring the critical need to prioritize the development of agriculture and the welfare of farmers.
Minister Ratanlal Nath made this announcement during an offer distribution ceremony held at the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare in Auditorium No. 1 of the Rabindra Centenary Building. The ceremony saw 401 individuals receive offers for employment. These young men and women have been selected through the JRBT examination to serve as Agri Assistants within the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, specifically under the Tripura Agriculture Field Service Grade-III.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Ratanlal Nath emphasized the state’s commitment to modernizing and adopting scientific farming practices, moving away from traditional methods. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by agricultural workers in educating farmers on modern and scientific techniques.
At present, the state employs 460 Agri Assistants, and the addition of 401 new recruits is expected to bolster agricultural development in the region. Minister Nath underscored the importance of technology in contemporary agriculture, emphasizing the increasing dependence on machinery for tasks ranging from land preparation to crop production. To support this transition, the Department of Agriculture is actively providing farmers with advanced agricultural machinery and offering training in modern farming practices.
The Minister also acknowledged the multifaceted initiatives undertaken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha for the socio-economic development of agriculture and farmers. He stressed that the self-reliance of farmers is crucial for the overall progress of both the state and the nation, especially considering that 70 percent of the state’s population relies on agriculture for their livelihood.
Furthermore, Minister Nath revealed that the state faces a food grain demand of 9,45,000 metric tons, while production currently falls short of this requirement. In response, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is diligently working to increase the production of agricultural products within the state.
During the event, Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Apoorba Roy, shared insights, and Director of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Sharadindu Das, delivered the welcome address. The ceremony culminated with the distribution of offers to the new recruits by esteemed guests, including Agriculture Minister Ratanlal Nath. The Director of the Department of Horticulture and Land Conservation extended gratitude to Dr Phani Bhushan Jamatia for his contributions to the event.
