Tripura’s First FPO-2025 Fair Inaugurated to Empower Farmers’ Growth
Agartala, Feb 17, 2025, By Our Correspondent42
The Tripura government is actively working towards the welfare of farmers, women, youth, and marginalized communities by implementing various development schemes. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratanlal Nath reiterated this commitment while inaugurating the state's first FPO-2025 Fair at Purbasha Ground on Sunday evening. He emphasized that the government aims to transform Tripura into a self-reliant and prosperous state with the cooperation of its people.
During the event, the minister highlighted the crucial role of farmers in ensuring food security and urged everyone to support them in their journey toward self-sufficiency. He pointed out that Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) play a significant role in empowering small and marginal farmers by enabling them to collectively produce, process, and market agricultural products. The central government launched a dedicated scheme in 2020 to promote and strengthen these organizations, ensuring better incomes for farmers.
58 FPOs Operating in Tripura
In his speech, Minister Nath announced that Tripura currently has 58 FPOs, covering 58 blocks, with over 10,434 farmers actively participating. He noted that the average monthly income of farmers has increased from ₹6,580 to ₹13,590 under the current administration. This remarkable growth, he stated, is due to various government initiatives, including the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, procurement of paddy at the minimum support price, subsidized seeds and fertilizers, crop insurance schemes, and soil testing programs.
Additionally, the minister praised the establishment of Krishak Bandhu Kendras (Farmer Support Centers), which provide necessary assistance and resources to farmers, further strengthening the agricultural sector in the state. He also referred to the significant budgetary allocation for agriculture in the Union Budget 2025, underscoring the government's long-term vision for sustainable farming.
Leaders Stress Self-Reliance in Agriculture
During the inaugural ceremony, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Deepak Majumder highlighted that both the central and state governments are working to make Tripura’s farmers self-reliant. He praised the various agricultural schemes that have led to increased productivity and income.
Member of Parliament Rajib Bhattacharjee echoed similar sentiments, stating that the Union Budget has introduced new initiatives to enhance agricultural production and ensure farmers' welfare. He also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a self-sufficient India, citing the recent "Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav" in New Delhi, where 57 entrepreneurs from Tripura showcased their locally produced goods.
Officials and Experts Address the Event
Other dignitaries at the event included Apurba Roy, Secretary of the Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department, event president Alok Bhattacharjee, a municipal corporator, and Phanibhushan Jamatia, Director of the Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department, who delivered the welcome address.
Also present were Deepak Kumar Das, Director of the Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department, Maniklal Debbarma, Director of the Agricultural Marketing Department, and several other senior officials. The three-day FPO-2025 Fair aims to provide farmers with knowledge, resources, and market opportunities to boost agricultural development in Tripura.