Tripura cultivates 35 mango varieties, including exotic types like Miyazaki and Thai Himsagar, to boost farmer income. Agriculture Minister Nath says mango farming is transforming tribal regions like Gandatwisa. The state is expanding fruit cultivation to make farmers self-reliant through research-driven horticulture.
The Tripura government has initiated experimental cultivation of 35 improved mango varieties—13 indigenous and 22 foreign—at the Horticulture and Research Centre in Nagichara, West Tripura. This was announced by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath during the Monsoon Mango Fiesta-2025 at Narikel Kunj in Gandatwisa, Dhalai district.
The event showcased the vibrant future of mango farming in Tripura, especially in tribal-dominated regions like Gandatwisa. Addressing farmers, researchers, and local representatives, Minister Nath emphasized the role of mango cultivation in making farmers economically self-reliant, a mission the state has pursued rigorously since the BJP government assumed power in 2018.
“Tripura’s climate is perfect for mango farming. With our tropical weather, fertile soil, and ample rainfall, we are focusing on expanding fruit cultivation. Since 2018, about 706 hectares of new land have been brought under mango cultivation, and we have set a target to revive 18 hectares of old orchards this year in Gandatwisa,” the minister informed.
Among the mango varieties being cultivated are globally popular and high-value types like Miyazaki, Haribhanga, Yellow Banana, Japanese All Time, and Thai Himsagar. These are being grown alongside improved local varieties, offering farmers access to premium fruit markets.
The experimental cultivation is being carried out under scientific guidance at the Nagichara research center, where the plants are observed for yield, resilience, and market potential. The long-term goal is to identify the most viable varieties that can be adopted statewide for commercial cultivation.
Highlighting the success of the initiative, Nath said the total area under fruit cultivation in Tripura now stands at 58,491 hectares, with a total production of 5,98,241 metric tons (MT). Out of this, mango cultivation covers 10,192 hectares, producing 51,368 MT of mangoes annually. The average productivity is 5.04 MT per hectare, while in Gandatwisa, the yield is notably higher at 8 to 9 MT per hectare, nearing the national average of 9.66 MT.
“This improvement is largely due to focused government schemes, awareness drives, and the dedication of tribal farmers in Gandatwisa, who embraced mango farming in 2018 as a sustainable livelihood model,” said Nath. He revealed that the annual net income per hectare from mango farming in the region stands at Rs 5 to 6 lakh, marking a significant shift in rural economic stability.
In terms of marketing, the farmers have already seen encouraging returns. Local mangoes from Gandatwisa have been sold to traders in Agartala, Ambassa, Kumarghat, and Dharmanagar at wholesale prices ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 70 per kg, while the exotic varieties fetched Rs 150 to Rs 300 per kg, depending on quality and size.
The government is also addressing the post-harvest management of fruits. To improve storage and reduce wastage, 10 Solar-Based Cool Chambers have been set up across the state. “This year, one such chamber will be established in Gandatwisa to assist farmers in preserving their mangoes for longer periods and accessing better market prices,” the minister added.
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The Mango Fiesta also featured exhibitions, farmer interactions, and demonstrations by horticulture experts, inspiring many to consider fruit cultivation as a profitable venture. The Tripura government’s vision is not just to grow more mangoes, but to make the state a recognized hub for premium mango varieties in the region.
As the experiment continues, the success in Gandatwisa stands as a model for other tribal and rural areas. Through scientific farming, improved infrastructure, and active market linkages, Tripura aims to transform the economic landscape of its agricultural community—one mango at a time.
