By TC News Desk
Agartala, 6th May 2025: Tripura’s Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ratan Lal Nath, on Monday announced that the state government has set a target to achieve complete food self-sufficiency within the next four years through the adoption of modern agricultural techniques and scientific farming practices.
Addressing a gathering while disbursing financial assistance to farmers affected by the August 2024 floods, Nath said, “Farmers are our breadwinners. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Our department has taken multiple initiatives using modern technology to boost food grain production and bridge the existing deficit.”
Under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), ₹79.88 crore was transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to 2,13,543 farmers from 45 agricultural subdivisions impacted by the floods that occurred between August 19 and 22 last year. The remaining three subdivisions—Ampi, Karbook, and Amarpur in Gomati district—will receive assistance in the coming days.
Tripura has a total annual requirement of 9.53 lakh metric tons of food grains. At present, it produces around 8.49 lakh metric tons. “We are steadily closing this gap. South, Gomati, and Sepahijala districts have already achieved food self-sufficiency. Khowai and Dhalai are progressing well, and similar efforts are underway in the remaining districts,” Nath stated.
Highlighting the growing respect for the agricultural community, the minister added, “There was a time when farmers were neglected. Today, their income and social status are improving, and many educated youths are now showing interest in agriculture.”
He also credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha for their commitment to farmer welfare. “This is the largest-ever compensation provided to farmers in the history of Tripura. Out of 58 blocks, 30 are now food self-sufficient. We are working to bring the remaining 28 blocks on par using scientific methods.”
