In a significant move to support farmers devastated by recent Cyclonesi, the state government has announced the disbursement of Rs 21.97 crore directly to the bank accounts of 78,279 affected farmers. Minister for Agriculture Ratan Lal Nath, while presiding over the program “Financial Assistance to Farmers Affected by Natural Disaster Midhili” at the Nazrul Kalakshetra Auditorium on Thursday, emphasized the government’s commitment to alleviating the hardships faced by these vital members of society.
Minister Nath, accompanied by key figures including Rabindra Debbarma, Executive Member of the Education and Welfare Department TTAADC; MLA Ratan Chakraborty; AMC Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder; MLA Mina Rani Sarkar; Apurba Roy, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; and Saradindu Das, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, highlighted the resilience of the farmers and the state’s recognition of their efforts.
Nath stated that the government and the Agriculture Department are unwavering in their dedication to the overall welfare of the farmers. The financial relief program, conducted at 39 locations across the state, symbolizes the government’s respect and appreciation for those who work tirelessly to feed the nation. He remarked that the well-being of farmers directly impacts the entire state and nation, and seeing their relief is a reflection of collective happiness.
In addition to the immediate financial aid, Nath announced that 3,013 farmers will receive Rs 1.13 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana in the coming days. In total, 81,292 farmers in Tripura will benefit from over Rs 23.11 crore due to the impact of Cyclone Midhili from November 16-18, 2023.
The minister also took the opportunity to highlight various state and central government schemes aimed at doubling farmers’ incomes and providing necessary assistance. He underscored the government’s goal of making farmers self-sufficient, which in turn contributes to the self-sufficiency of the state and country in agricultural production.
The paddy procurement process was mentioned, with the government purchasing paddy at Minimum Support Price (MSP) twice a year. Nath revealed that the government procured paddy from 1,323 farmers, spending Rs 371 crore and securing 1.92 lakh metric tons of paddy. Under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, loans amounting to Rs 1,822 crore were provided to 3.75 lakh farmers. He noted that the income of farmers has nearly doubled from Rs 6,580 in the 2017-18 fiscal year to Rs 13,590 in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Nath also pointed out the establishment of Krishak Vandhu Kendras (KVKs), which were nonexistent under the previous government. There are now 32 KVKs in operation, benefiting 38,000 farmers with Rs 200.42 crore spent on agricultural equipment over the last five years. In contrast, the previous government benefited only 2,611 farmers with Rs 28.35 crore.
The minister reiterated that both state and central governments stand firmly by the farmers, ensuring their welfare in all circumstances. This steadfast commitment reinforces the belief that progress and development begin with the well-being of those who cultivate the land.
