By TC News Desk
Agartala, 29th March 2025: In a major push for sustainable agriculture, the Tripura government has initiated natural farming on 5,000 hectares of land, marking a significant shift towards eco-friendly cultivation. At the same time, efforts are underway to secure a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the state’s Sobri Banana and Scented Lemon, which could boost their recognition in global markets.
Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath highlighted these developments while inaugurating a pineapple processing centre at Bisramganja in Sepahijala district on Saturday. Stressing the long-term impact of chemical farming, Nath pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been a strong advocate for organic and natural farming.
“Chemical fertilizers harm the future of agriculture. Before 2018, only 2,000 hectares of land in Tripura were used for organic farming. Since then, this has increased to over 20,160 hectares, with nearly 20,000 farmers engaged. Now, we are pioneering natural farming in 5,000 hectares for the first time in the state,” Nath said. He further emphasized that scientific methods such as soil health cards will guide farmers in maintaining soil fertility.
While India has achieved self-sufficiency in crops, dairy, and fisheries, the country continues to depend on imports for edible oil. To counter this, the state is focusing on expanding its agricultural reach. “Our government is committed to doubling farmers’ income, and the promotion of organic farming is a key step in that direction. For the first time, a Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) has opened an organic pineapple processing centre,” Nath added.
Additionally, the government is striving to place Tripura’s local produce on the global map. “The GI tag application for Sobri Banana and Scented Lemon is in progress. We aim to give these products international recognition,” the Minister stated, underscoring the state’s efforts to promote indigenous crops and enhance their commercial value.
