Tripura faces a sharp rise in foodgrain deficit as rice production declines despite growing demand. Experts and NABARD urge urgent agricultural reforms, climate-resilient farming, improved irrigation, and modern technology support to restore food security and strengthen farmers’ income across the state.
State government’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in foodgrain production are facing fresh challenges as recent official data reveal a widening gap between the state’s food grain requirement and actual production. At the same time, experts and financial institutions believe that strengthening rice production could create new business opportunities and improve farmers’ income in the state.
General Manager of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) for Tripura, Anil S Kotmire, observed that Tripura had significant potential to generate business growth through increased rice production. He emphasized the need for quality seeds and the removal of existing constraints affecting paddy cultivation to improve overall productivity.
According to statistics from the Department of Agriculture, Government of Tripura, the state had substantially reduced its foodgrain deficit over the past two decades. In 1999-2000, Tripura recorded a deficit of 2.046 lakh metric tonnes (MT), with production meeting only around 72 percent of total demand. Through policy interventions and expansion of agricultural activities, the deficit was reduced to nearly 4 to 8 percent between 2016-17 and 2021-22.
However, the situation has deteriorated in recent years. The foodgrain deficit increased to 1.03 lakh MT in 2022-23 and further widened to 1.97 lakh MT in 2024-25, representing nearly 20 percent of the total requirement the highest deficit recorded in almost two decades. During this period, foodgrain production declined from 8.71 lakh MT in 2021-22 to 7.65 lakh MT in 2024-25 despite increasing annual demand.
Agriculture experts believe the decline reflects deeper structural problems within the sector. Erratic rainfall, shrinking cultivable land, inadequate irrigation facilities, increasing dependence on traditional farming methods, and rising input costs have affected productivity across several districts. Farmers are also facing challenges related to post-harvest losses, storage shortages, and limited market access.
Constructive criticism is now emerging over the lack of sustained modernization and follow-up support after the state’s earlier agricultural achievements. Experts argue that while government schemes have improved seed distribution and farmer outreach in some areas, productivity growth has not kept pace with rising demand and climate-related pressures.
Agricultural economists have suggested that Tripura now requires a second-generation agricultural reform strategy focused on resilience and technology-driven farming. Expansion of micro-irrigation systems, promotion of climate-resilient crop varieties, mechanization support for small farmers, and strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are being viewed as essential measures to reverse the trend.
Experts have also recommended greater support for scientific farming practices, digital agricultural advisory services, improved procurement systems, and youth participation in agriculture. Integrated farming models involving fisheries, livestock, and horticulture are also being encouraged to improve rural income security.
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Despite the present challenges, experts maintain that Tripura has previously demonstrated its ability to reduce foodgrain deficits significantly. With timely policy corrections, stronger implementation at the grassroots level, and greater investment in agricultural resilience, the state can once again move towards food security and sustainable growth in farmers’ income.
