Over 51% of Tripura’s blocks have achieved self-sufficiency in food grain production, announced Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath. Highlighting government efforts in agricultural development, he emphasized PM Modi’s vision for a self-reliant India. Tripura is also advancing in exports of rice, milk, fish, eggs, and spices.
In a achievement for the agricultural sector, Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Wednesday declared that over 51 per cent of the state’s administrative blocks have become self-sufficient in food grain production. Out of Tripura’s 58 blocks, around 30 have reached this milestone.
Minister Nath made the announcement while attending three different agricultural programmes in Gomati District. These included the inauguration of the Photamati Primary Rural Market, an oil palm plantation initiative at Raiyarbari, and the opening of a ginger processing centre managed by Khabakscha Farmer Producer Company (FPC) at Roabari.
Nath highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to increasing farmers’ income and achieving self-reliance in food crop production. “In our state, about 70 per cent of the population is directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. Making agriculture self-reliant means advancing Tripura on the road to overall self-sufficiency,” he said.
Underscoring the importance of agricultural infrastructure, Nath said the current government is taking proactive steps to enhance market facilities. “The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare adopts various targeted plans for the development of primary rural markets and regulated agricultural markets. Improving infrastructure is a priority to support farmers and boost productivity,” he added.
He also stressed the importance of aligning state goals with the national vision for agriculture. Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s repeated emphasis on strengthening the agricultural sector, Nath said, “PM Modi has always said that without the development of agriculture, India cannot develop. His dream is to transform India into the grain store of the world.”
Reflecting on India’s past dependency on foreign aid for food, Nath recalled the times when the country suffered due to halted grain imports. “There was a time when, if the United States did not send rice or wheat, our people went hungry. Today, under PM Modi’s leadership, India exports food grains to several countries,” he said.
The minister clarified that agriculture does not only mean paddy. It encompasses fisheries and animal husbandry as well. “Fish from India is exported to China, Europe, the United States, Japan, and other nations. Eggs are exported to Oman, Qatar, and other Arab countries. Milk reaches markets in the USA, Singapore, and Bhutan,” Nath informed.
In the case of Bangladesh, Tripura exports rice, wheat, sugar, ginger, garlic, and spices. “Except for a few commodities, we are now self-sufficient in rice, fish, eggs, and milk. PM Modi is constantly working to uplift farmers,” he said.
Nath also praised the government’s proactive approach in delivering public welfare schemes. “The present government gives people their rights even before they demand them. This government works for the last man in society. Many people have received houses, roads, and water connections under various schemes, without any political discrimination,” he said.
Highlighting the state government’s support for oil palm cultivation, he said, “From clearing the land to providing saplings, everything is being done by the government. Our aim is to support farmers at every step so they can enhance their productivity and income.”
Nath’s statements come at a time when Tripura is making significant strides in agricultural development, aiming to position itself not just as self-reliant but also as a contributor to national and international food markets.
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The emphasis on infrastructure development, market linkages, and export potential demonstrates the government’s holistic approach to empowering farmers. By achieving self-sufficiency in over half of its blocks, Tripura is setting an example for other states in sustainable agricultural growth and rural development.
