Tripura Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath emphasizes self-reliance in agriculture to fulfill PM Modi’s vision of making India a global grain store. Modern farming tools and crop diversification aim to boost production and exports.
Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Ratan Lal Nath, underlined the critical role of self-reliance in agriculture today, reiterating its importance in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ambitious vision of making India a global grain storehouse. The statement was made during a significant event in Mohanpur Agriculture Sub-Division, where the Minister handed over modern agricultural equipment and tree saplings to local farmers, marking a step forward in the state’s agricultural modernization efforts.
The initiative, according to the Minister, aims to empower farmers with advanced tools such as spray machines and saplings, enabling them to increase productivity through efficient and sustainable farming methods. “Modern equipment and resources are the key to enhancing agricultural output, and this will fast-track Tripura’s agricultural development,” said Nath. He stressed that achieving self-reliance in agriculture is not only a regional necessity but also a national priority.
Highlighting the urgency of rapid progress, Minister Nath emphasized that Tripura is moving ahead with well-structured planning to boost every sector, especially agriculture. He expressed concern about regional food supply vulnerabilities, stating, “If districts like North, Gomati, and Sepahijala stop supplying rice, where will the state source it from? This is why self-sufficiency is essential for Mohanpur Block and beyond.”
The Minister elaborated that India’s ambition under PM Modi’s leadership is to become a global food supplier, with agriculture serving as the backbone of this strategy. “Our foundation is agriculture, and to fulfill the Prime Minister’s dream of India becoming a grain store, we must strive for self-reliance at every level,” Nath declared.
Addressing long-standing agricultural misconceptions, the Minister pointed out the breakthrough by agricultural scientists from the state’s Agriculture College who have successfully demonstrated the feasibility of onion cultivation in Tripura—a crop once considered unsuitable for the region. Both red and white onion varieties are now being cultivated, with significant emphasis placed on expanding onion and potato production.
Minister Nath stressed the importance of diversifying crops to ensure food security. “If we have ample rice, onion, potato, and pulses, the people will be worry-free regarding food. Tripura has all the necessary resources, and it is our responsibility to achieve food self-sufficiency,” he said.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted Tripura’s and India’s growing prominence in global agricultural exports. India currently exports fish to countries like the USA, China, Europe, and Japan, and supplies eggs to Oman, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Agricultural products also reach neighboring Bangladesh and even Pakistan, showcasing India’s expanding role in the international agri-market.
With the distribution of new agricultural machinery and saplings, the Tripura government is laying the groundwork for a more resilient and productive farming community. Minister Nath called upon farmers to embrace these modern tools and techniques to boost yields and secure their livelihoods.
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The drive toward self-reliance in agriculture is being positioned as a cornerstone of Tripura’s—and India’s—future prosperity. As Prime Minister Modi’s vision gains momentum, Tripura’s agricultural sector is gearing up to play its vital role in securing food for the nation and beyond.
