A state-level workshop in Tripura emphasized improving agricultural productivity, market access, and value addition, especially for maize and millet. Organized by the Agriculture Department under TRESP, the session highlighted critical challenges and growth opportunities to empower farmers and drive rural economic development.
The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department under the Agri. Horti. Project Implementation Unit of TRESP (Tripura Rural Economic Growth and Service Delivery Project) organized a one-day workshop-cum-training session at Dasarath Bhavan, Agartala, on Wednesday. The workshop brought together key stakeholders to assess current agricultural challenges while exploring opportunities to unlock the sector’s growth potential.
Addressing the gathering, Director of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Phanibhusan Jamatia, underlined the critical role of agriculture in Tripura’s economy. He revealed that agriculture contributes approximately 24% to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), making it a cornerstone for economic development and livelihood security, especially in rural and tribal regions.
However, despite its importance, Tripura’s agricultural productivity lags significantly behind the national average. “Our farmers are hardworking, but they face numerous systemic barriers,” Jamatia remarked. “Issues related to low productivity, inadequate market access, and underdeveloped processing infrastructure continue to hold back the full potential of our agricultural output.”
One of the focal points of the workshop was maize cultivation—highlighted as one of the six priority crops under TRESP. Tripura has the climatic and agronomic advantage to grow maize three times a year. Yet, productivity remains subpar when compared to national levels. Jamatia emphasized the importance of adopting improved cultivation techniques and boosting value addition. “Farmers should be encouraged and supported to develop maize-based products like snacks and animal feed,” he stated.
He also drew attention to preserved boiled sweet corn, a popular product commonly found in urban shopping malls. With a shelf life of up to six months, such processed maize products represent a viable avenue for enhancing farmer incomes through value addition and diversified markets.
The director also spoke about foxtail millet (locally known as Kaon), the most widely cultivated millet variety in the state. Grown traditionally using Jhum (shifting) cultivation methods, it is often intercropped with sesame, rice, and maize. Jamatia acknowledged the increasing popularity of foxtail millet among health-conscious urban consumers due to its high nutritional value. “There is significant potential to develop nutritious millet-based snack products and tap into the growing demand in wellness-focused food markets,” he added.
Recognizing that small and marginal farmers, particularly from tribal communities, are at the heart of Tripura’s agriculture, the workshop stressed the urgent need for capacity-building and infrastructure expansion. Jamatia assured that the state government is committed to empowering farmers through the direct delivery of services such as high-quality seeds, saplings, organic and chemical fertilizers, and technical training. “We are taking steps to ensure these services reach every farmer’s doorstep,” he affirmed.
He also urged the farming community to take full advantage of these schemes and support systems. “The future of agriculture lies in modernization, value addition, and sustainability. Farmers must become entrepreneurs. Only then can agriculture serve as a true engine of economic empowerment,” he concluded.
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The workshop concluded with training modules on scientific farming practices, post-harvest handling, and market linkages. Experts from the agriculture and horticulture departments provided practical demonstrations and answered queries from participating farmers.
With the day-long session shining a spotlight on both longstanding issues and emerging solutions, the event reinforced the need for a holistic approach to agricultural development in Tripura. As the state seeks to enhance its agricultural output, boost rural incomes, and reduce economic disparities, platforms like these are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping policy and practice.
