Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Monday asserted that the income of farmers in Tripura has doubled in recent years, rising from ₹6,500 to ₹13,000 per month. He emphasized that the state government is committed to achieving even greater progress in the agriculture sector by leveraging advanced technologies and scientific methods. Nath was addressing media persons at the Agartala Railway Station, where he personally saw off the first batch of farmers departing for hands-on training on modern agricultural practices.
Expressing optimism about the future of agriculture in Tripura, Nath stated, “While the increase in farmers’ income is a significant achievement, we are not fully satisfied. Our goal is to ensure that the agriculture sector scales newer heights. Advanced technologies and scientific interventions will play a crucial role in achieving this objective.” He added that the state government’s focus is not just on increasing income but also on ensuring sustainable agricultural practices that can withstand challenges like limited land availability and climate change.
Training Program for Farmers
As part of the government’s initiative to modernize agriculture, a comprehensive training program has been launched. According to the Minister, a total of ten batches of farmers, each consisting of 20 members, will undergo training at the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi. The training will be conducted in phases to ensure that a large number of farmers benefit from this opportunity.
“These farmers will spend 8 to 10 days at IARI, where they will receive hands-on training from top agricultural scientists. The focus will be on teaching them advanced farming techniques and the use of modern technologies that can help in achieving better production even on smaller land parcels,” Nath explained. The training will cover a range of topics, including precision farming, efficient irrigation techniques, soil health management, pest control, and the use of high-yielding crop varieties.
Addressing Limited Land Availability
Nath highlighted that with limited agricultural land available in the state, adopting technology-driven solutions is imperative. “We need to focus on techniques that can maximize production per unit of land. This includes the use of bio-fertilizers, drip irrigation, and crop diversification. The knowledge gained by the farmers during the training will be shared with others upon their return, creating a ripple effect across the agriculture community,” he said.
Soil Health Workshop in Nagpur
The Agriculture Minister also informed the media about his upcoming visit to Nagpur to attend a workshop focused on soil health. Emphasizing the importance of soil quality in boosting agricultural productivity, Nath said, “Soil plays a vital role in determining the yield and health of crops. In the workshop, experts will discuss methods to improve soil fertility, the use of organic compost, and sustainable practices to prevent soil degradation. This knowledge will be crucial for implementing soil management practices back home in Tripura.”
Coordination and Execution of the Training Program
To ensure the effective execution of the training program, a Senior Scientist from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Dhalai has been appointed as the coordinator. On Monday, the first batch of 20 farmers from Dhalai, West Tripura, and South Tripura districts embarked on their journey to New Delhi. The farmers expressed enthusiasm about learning new techniques that could help them increase productivity and reduce input costs.
Speaking to reporters, one of the farmers said, “We are excited to learn about new technologies that can help us increase our yield without expanding our land. This is a great opportunity for us, and we hope to bring back valuable knowledge that can benefit other farmers in our village as well.”
Government’s Vision for Agriculture
Ratan Lal Nath reiterated that the state government is committed to transforming the agriculture sector through a combination of technology adoption, capacity-building programs, and financial support. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to strengthen market linkages and ensure that farmers get fair prices for their produce.
The Minister concluded by saying, “Our vision is to make Tripura self-sufficient in agriculture while ensuring that our farmers lead prosperous lives. With the right mix of technology, training, and policy support, we are confident of achieving this goal.”
