Tripura Agriculture Department signs MoU with NBSS Nagpur for scientific mapping of cultivable land using geo-spatial technology, aiming to boost sustainable farming, crop planning, food-grain self-sufficiency, and farmer welfare across multiple districts.
In a major policy initiative aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity and achieving long-term food-grain self-sufficiency, the Tripura Agriculture Department has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS), Nagpur. The agreement focuses on scientific mapping and detailed analysis of cultivable land across multiple districts of the state using advanced geo-spatial techniques.
The development was announced by Tripura Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Wednesday while inaugurating a state-level workshop titled “Land Resource Inventory of Tripura Using Geo-Spatial Techniques” at Pragya Bhawan. The workshop brought together soil scientists, agricultural planners, senior government officials, and technical experts to discuss sustainable land use planning and data-driven agricultural strategies.
Addressing the gathering, the Agriculture Minister emphasized that land-based research is the foundation of agricultural self-reliance. He stated that without understanding soil composition, fertility, water-holding capacity, and crop suitability, it is impossible to plan effective agricultural expansion or diversification.
“We often talk about self-reliance in agriculture, but land is the first and most critical factor. Only after understanding land characteristics can we focus on seeds, irrigation, and scientific cultivation,” Nath said.
The Minister informed that the Agriculture Department began systematic soil and land research nearly three years ago. Initially, comprehensive surveys were conducted in South Tripura and Gomati districts. Teams of soil scientists from NBSS, Nagpur carried out field studies, analyzed soil layers, and submitted detailed reports identifying crop suitability, nutrient status, and land-use potential.
Following the success of the initial phase, the Tripura government has now expanded the initiative by signing a fresh MoU covering three more districts—North Tripura, Dhalai, and Unakoti. The findings of these districts were formally presented during the workshop. The remaining districts—West Tripura, Sepahijala, and Khowai—are scheduled to be covered in the next phase of the land resource inventory.
The Minister noted that such scientific planning was largely absent in the past. Reflecting on his political experience of over three decades, Nath said that earlier governments spoke about food-grain self-sufficiency but failed to outline actionable, research-backed strategies.
“Earlier, agriculture ministers spoke in general terms. There was no clarity on what kind of soil we have or which crops are best suited for specific areas. Today, soil scientists can tell us precisely where crops like paddy, millet, rubber, palm oil, or other commercial crops can be grown successfully,” he said.
He cited the example of palm oil cultivation in Nagicherra, where plantations were initiated without adequate soil planning, resulting in limited success. Under the new MoU, cultivation strategies will be designed strictly based on scientific recommendations to ensure higher productivity and reduced risk for farmers.
The Agriculture Minister further stated that detailed discussions have already been held with senior agricultural advisors, departmental directors, and field officials to align policies with scientific findings. The government aims to ensure that farmers receive accurate guidance on crop selection, land preparation, and resource management.
Highlighting the progress made under the current administration, Nath said that before the present government came to power, only 22 development blocks in Tripura were self-sufficient in food-grain production. That number has now increased to 30 blocks, with five more expected to achieve self-sufficiency within the current year.
“In the coming days, our target is to achieve 100 percent success in food-grain self-sufficiency. Scientific land mapping will play a decisive role in this journey,” he added.
The Minister also announced that efforts are underway to secure Geographical Indication (GI) tags for more agricultural products from Tripura, which would enhance market value, protect regional identity, and benefit local farmers economically.
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Senior officials present at the workshop included Agriculture Department Secretary Apurba Roy, Agriculture Department Director Fani Bhushan Jamatia, State Nodal Officer Dr. Uttam Saha, along with technical experts from NBSS and district-level agricultural officers.
The MoU marks a significant shift toward evidence-based agricultural governance in Tripura, combining modern technology with policy planning to ensure sustainable growth, farmer welfare, and food security for the state.
