BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 14th March 2024: In a significant move to boost agricultural productivity and steer the state towards food self-sufficiency, the Tripura government has inaugurated a new soil testing laboratory in the Khowai sub-division. The initiative was unveiled by the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Ratanlal Nath, who emphasized the critical role of soil testing in enhancing crop yields.
The newly launched facility in Khowai is part of a broader state-wide effort to establish soil testing centers, aimed at providing farmers with the necessary insights to optimize their land for better harvests. The minister highlighted that similar laboratories have already been operational in Arundhatinagar, Gomati, Dhalai, and North Tripura districts, supplemented by three mobile soil laboratories that cater to remote areas.
Over the past six years, the state’s commitment to agricultural development has been evident, with 1,73,876 farmers receiving soil health cards following soil analysis. The upcoming financial year is set to see an additional 30,000 farmers benefit from this scheme. The minister also noted that the Khowai Agricultural Division boasts 11,179 hectares of arable land, supporting 8,183 farmers. In recognition of their efforts, the government has disbursed 9.42 crore rupees to 3,074 farmers under the Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
The inauguration event served as a platform for local leaders to encourage farmers to leverage the advantages of soil testing. Sabhadipati of Khowai Zilla Parishad Joydeb Debbarma, called upon the agrarian community to actively participate in this initiative for the betterment of their crops and, consequently, the state’s economy. The sentiment was echoed by Subrata Majumder, President of the Zilla Parishad Standing Committee on Work Affairs, and Harishankar Pal, Saha-Sabhadipati of Zilla Parishad, who were present at the ceremony. The event was presided over by Tapas Das, vice chairman of Khowai Panchayat Samiti, while Sharadindu Das, Director of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, extended a warm welcome to the attendees.
The establishment of the soil laboratory is a testament to the government’s dedication to empowering farmers and fostering a sustainable agricultural sector that can contribute significantly to the vision of a self-reliant Tripura.
