Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath says agriculture is vital for food security, environmental protection and rural economic growth. Speaking at Tripura Agriculture College’s 20th Foundation Day and 16th Graduation Day, he highlights education, research, employment and opportunities for strengthening Tripura’s agricultural sector.
Agriculture is not only a profession but a crucial foundation for food security, environmental protection and the rural economy, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said while addressing the 20th Foundation Day and 16th Graduation Day-2026 of Tripura Agriculture College at the college auditorium in Lembucherra.
Speaking at the programme, Ratan Lal Nath said studying agriculture carries a responsibility towards ensuring food security for the people. He stressed that creating an educated, skilled and technically capable workforce in the agricultural sector would be essential for increasing food production, improving farmers’ incomes and strengthening the rural economy.
The Agriculture Minister said the occasion marked more than the anniversary of an educational institution. According to him, the foundation day celebrated two decades of knowledge, research, hard work, aspirations and commitment towards the agricultural sector.
“ Agriculture is not just a profession but the foundation of civilisation,” he said, while highlighting the changing role of technology and innovation in modern development.
Ratan Lal Nath noted that information technology, artificial intelligence, industries and space science are among the sectors shaping the future. However, he emphasised that agriculture would remain equally important because it directly contributes to food security, environmental protection and the development of rural communities.
The Minister also highlighted the efforts being undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to transform India into a global food basket. He said the country’s vast human resources constitute one of its greatest strengths and that this manpower could be effectively utilised to further develop agriculture and agriculture-based economic activities.
Referring to the growth of Tripura Agriculture College, Ratan Lal Nath said the institution began its journey in 2007 with only 19 students. Over the years, the college has grown into an established centre of agricultural education and research.
He attributed the institution’s progress to the dedication of its teachers, the hard work of students and the overall strength of the college. He further said that compared to 2014, the scope of education, research, training and academic exposure available at the institution has expanded considerably.
The college currently offers B.Sc. Agriculture (Honours) and M.Sc. Agriculture programmes, providing students with opportunities to pursue higher education and careers in the agricultural sector.
Highlighting employment opportunities, the Agriculture Minister said agriculture has significant potential for career growth among educated youth. He informed that the Tripura government has recruited 252 Agriculture Officers and 409 Agriculture Assistants under the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department over the past few years.
According to the Minister, these appointments have not only created employment opportunities for educated young people but have also helped strengthen agricultural infrastructure and services across the state.
The programme was also addressed by Dean of Tripura Fisheries College Professor Arun Bhai Patel, Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department Apurba Roy, Additional Finance Secretary Dr. Akinchan Sarkar, Director of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department Dr. P. B. Jamatia and Registrar of Tripura University Professor Samir Kumar Seal.
Principal of Tripura Agriculture College Professor Dr. Debashis Sen delivered the welcome address, while Organising Secretary Dr. E. Reang proposed the vote of thanks.
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During the programme, selected Agriculture Officers of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department were felicitated for their service. B.Sc. (Honours) Agriculture degrees were also conferred upon graduating students, marking an important milestone in their academic journey and opening new opportunities for their professional careers.
