The country’s economy will only be strengthened with the economic development in rural areas. That is why the central and state government is working giving utmost importance to strengthening rural economic development, enunciated Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Pranajit Singha Roy after inaugurating Farmers Knowledge Centre and Regional Agriculture office at Panchabati of Vidyasagar Gram Panchayat under Mohanpur block yesterday.
He said, the central government has taken several steps to double farmers income by 2022. The schemes are also being implemented in the state. Both the central and the state government aims to make farmers financially self-dependent. Financial assistance of 6 thousand rupees is being sent to farmers bank accounts annually under PMKISAN. Almost 2.5 lakh farmers in the state have benefited through this scheme.
Agriculture Minister further said, the Chief Minister has taken special initiative so that the farmers could get agriculture loans through the banks who do not have agricultural land to their names. It’s fruit also has started to be seen recently. He said, advanced and modern ways are now being used for increasing agricultural production in the state coming out of traditional ways of farming. Kisan Rail was started for exporting the agricultural produce of the state. Last year, about 3 lakh farmers were brought under Pradhan Mantri Fazal Bimal Yojana. Paddy procurement from farmers at MSP is ongoing. Soil testing are being arranged besides providing the farmers with fertilisers, pesticides, agricultural equipment etc. The state government has also arranged for appropriate market for the farmers besides crop cultivation. State’s pineapple, jackfruit, scented lemons are now hitting the markets abroad. The state government aims to make the women self-dependent. Agricultural equipments were distributed to different Self Help Groups.
Sabhadhipati of West Tripura Zila Parishad Antara Sarkar Deb, Director of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare department Saradindu Das, Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation department Phani Bhushan Jamatia have also delivered their speech in the programme. Welcome speech was delivered by Mohanpur agricultural Supervisor U. Saha. The programme was presided over by Chairperson of Mohanpur Panchayat Samiti Rina Debbarma. Others present in the programme were member of West Tripura Zila Parishad Kajal Kar, Principal of College of Agriculture Dr. T. K Maiti and socialist Jogendra Debbarma. The guests handed over agricultural equipment worth 10 lakh rupees to Pranami SHG of Kalacherra and Soil Health Card to the farmers. Agriculture Minister also inaugurated storage and seed processing unit in North Laxmi Lunga under Bamutia block.
