By TC News Desk
Agartala, 17th December 2024: Tripura Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Tuesday emphasized the state government’s commitment to enhancing rural market infrastructure and agriculturally controlled markets to improve farmers’ income.
Minister Nath made these remarks while inaugurating newly developed rural markets under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) project in Kanchanbari and Radhanagar, located in the Unakoti district. These markets are now open for use by farmers and traders.
“The Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is actively implementing specific plans for developing primary rural markets and agriculturally controlled markets. Over the years, we have been working on projects based on proposals received from three-tier Panchayati Raj institutions, market committees, and public representatives. These proposals are evaluated for their necessity and importance before approval,” said Minister Nath.
The Minister stressed that any market development proposal must include detailed descriptions of the proposed land along with the necessary documentation.
“Currently, there are 554 agricultural markets across the state, comprising 84 primary wholesale markets, 21 agri-produce markets, and 470 primary or rural markets. The department is working on comprehensive plans to develop these markets and provide the necessary infrastructure,” he added.
Highlighting the progress made since 2018, Nath stated that a total of 86 market infrastructure development projects have been undertaken under the RIDF scheme, with financial assistance from NABARD.
“The development works include construction of sheds, stalls, toilets, drinking water facilities, and sewage systems, with a total allocation of Rs. 167.12 crore. Out of these, 40 projects have already been completed, 38 are ongoing, work orders have been issued for 3, and 5 projects were cancelled due to a lack of suitable bidders or land availability,” Nath explained.The Minister further highlighted a stark improvement compared to the previous period, stating, “From 2013 to 2017, only 71 market infrastructure development projects were undertaken, with a total budget of Rs. 20.27 crore.”
The state government remains committed to strengthening rural markets, ensuring better facilities for farmers, and boosting agricultural trading in Tripura.
