ICAR Tripura Centre conducted a seven-day agri-aqua training to boost productivity in under-cropped land, empowering 112 farmers with scientific techniques and critical inputs. Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu also launched a major Diabetes Day awareness rally in Agartala.
The ICAR Research Complex for the North Eastern Hill Region, Tripura Centre has successfully conducted a comprehensive seven-day training programme titled “Agri-Aqua Interventions for Productivity Enhancement from Under-cropped Land.”
The programme, held from November 10, forms a key component of the DST-STI Hub activities implemented under the Department of Science and Technology (DST) project “Multilayered Agriculture Strategies for Income and Nutritional Security for Cash Crop Plantation Workers in Lefunga Block,” located in West Tripura district.
Organised in collaboration with NABARD Tripura, ICAR-CIFE Kolkata Centre, ICAR-NRCO Sikkim and ICAR-DGR Junagadh, the training was conducted under the mentorship of Dr B. U. Choudhury, Head of the ICAR Tripura Centre. A total of 112 farmers from seven villages participated in the programme, receiving hands-on instruction on strategies to improve productivity from challenging agricultural landscapes. The targeted zones included waterlogged wastelands, rubber plantation alleys, mid-hill water-deficit plots and small or shallow aquaculture ponds.
On November 14, the input and certificate distribution ceremony was held at the Sachindra Debbarma Memorial Hall in Lefunga. During the event, critical inputs such as magur fish seeds and water quality testing kits were supplied by ICAR-CIFE under the NEH component.
The ICAR Tripura Centre, under its various schemes including AICRP on Rice, further distributed fish feed, agricultural lime, black pepper planting material, paddy seeds, groundnut seeds and watering cans.
Addressing the participants, Dr B. U. Choudhury emphasised the broader mission of the DST-STI Hub and the importance of integrating scientific agricultural practices with traditional local farming systems.
“Our objective is to empower farmers with practical scientific tools and knowledge. The DST-STI Hub focuses on developing sustainable, multilayered agriculture models that can uplift farmer income and nutritional security. By combining scientific innovation with local experience, we aim to transform under-cropped and difficult lands into productive landscapes.”
Lefunga Block Panchayat Samiti Chairman Ranabir Debbarma, who inaugurated the distribution ceremony as Chief Guest, highlighted the need for continuous scientific intervention for improving tribal livelihoods.
“Scientific farming is not an option but a necessity for our tribal farmers. With regular support and proper guidance, we can significantly improve productivity and secure better incomes for rural households.”
Officials from key state departments also extended their support. Dr Santosh Das, Director of the State Fisheries Department, Dr Anjan Sengupta, Joint Director of DBT Tripura, and Dr Narendra Reang, BDO of Lefunga, reassured farmers that the government would continue aiding those adopting scientific agricultural methods.
Scientists from ICAR Tripura Centre, including Dr Rekha Das, Dr Kouberi Nath, Dr Pradip Kumar Sarkar, Dr Bapi Das and Dr Rahul Kumar, along with ICAR-CIFE experts Dr Sujata Sahoo and Dr Dhalongsaih Reang, were present in the programme. Coordinators also confirmed that regular field monitoring and hand-holding support will be offered to the trained farmers in the coming years.
The final day of the training, scheduled for tomorrow, will feature practical sessions on orchid cultivation, propagation techniques and value addition, conducted in collaboration with ICAR-NRCO Sikkim under the guidance of its Director, Dr S. P. Das.
Governor Flags Off Diabetes Day Rally in Agartala
In another significant event marking the day, Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu attended the World Diabetes Day programme organised by the Diabetes Welfare Society at Nazrul Kalakshetra in Agartala on Friday.
Speaking at the event, the Governor underscored the importance of lifestyle discipline in combating diabetes.
“A disciplined lifestyle, balanced dietary habits, regular exercise and meditation can drastically reduce the risk of diabetes. Early detection of symptoms, timely diagnosis and consistent treatment make it possible to keep diabetes under control.”
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He further urged citizens to spread awareness to help reduce health risks linked to diabetes. The programme began with a welcome address by Prof. (Dr) Shankar Sarkar, followed by the Governor flagging off a diabetes awareness rally aimed at promoting public health consciousness across the city.
