Tripura BJP government announces ₹158 crore investment to develop agricultural market infrastructure across 60 constituencies, aiming to boost farmers’ income, ensure food self-reliance, strengthen rural livelihoods, and expand women empowerment through SHGs and Lakhpati Didi initiatives.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Tripura has announced a major push to strengthen agricultural market infrastructure across the state with the aim of increasing farmers’ income, improving livelihoods, and achieving self-reliance in food grain production. State Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath outlined the government’s roadmap while addressing the media on Sunday.
The Minister stated that the Tripura government has planned to develop modern infrastructure, including market buildings and essential facilities, in each of the state’s 60 Assembly constituencies. The ambitious project will be executed at a total estimated cost of ₹158 crore. According to Nath, this initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to make agriculture profitable, market-oriented, and sustainable for farmers.
Emphasizing the contrast between previous and current administrations, Nath said that before the BJP came to power in 2018, the Left Front government developed infrastructure in only 71 agricultural markets over a span of seven years, from 2011 to 2018, with an expenditure of ₹20.60 crore. In comparison, the BJP-led government has developed infrastructure in 204 agricultural markets in the past seven years, investing a substantial ₹461.83 crore.
“This clearly reflects our commitment to farmers and rural development. Agriculture is not just an occupation but the backbone of Tripura’s economy,” the Minister said. He added that better market infrastructure would enable farmers to sell their produce at fair prices, reduce post-harvest losses, and access improved storage and trading facilities.
Tripura currently has a total of 554 agricultural markets spread across the state. However, Nath acknowledged that adequate infrastructure is yet to be developed in many of these markets. Providing a detailed breakdown, he said that out of the 554 markets, 21 are regulated markets, 63 are wholesale markets, and 470 are rural markets catering primarily to small and marginal farmers.
The government’s focus on developing infrastructure in 60 additional agricultural markets this year alone marks a significant step toward bridging this gap. Nath reiterated that development initiatives in the agriculture sector are undertaken without political bias. “We do not see political colour in development works. Our objective is to create employment opportunities, strengthen the rural economy, and make people self-reliant,” he said.
Beyond agricultural reforms, the Minister highlighted the state’s progress in women’s empowerment through self-help groups (SHGs). He noted that the number of SHGs in Tripura has witnessed a dramatic increase, rising from 4,160 before 2018 to 50,054 at present. This expansion has played a crucial role in enhancing women’s participation in economic activities across rural and semi-urban areas.
Nath further revealed that more than 1.08 lakh women in Tripura have achieved the status of ‘Lakhpati Didis’, with South Tripura district leading in terms of numbers. A ‘Lakhpati Didi’ is defined as a woman who is a member of an SHG and whose household income exceeds ₹1 lakh annually.
“Not everyone can be provided a government job, but we are ensuring sustainable livelihood opportunities. Women are becoming financially independent and contributing significantly to their families’ prosperity,” the Minister said. He added that the success of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative is the result of women’s determination, government support, and strong community participation.
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According to Nath, these women are not only economically empowered but are also emerging as role models in their communities. By adopting sustainable livelihood practices, engaging in agriculture, animal husbandry, handicrafts, and small enterprises, they are inspiring others to strive for financial stability and improved living standards.
The Tripura government believes that strengthening agricultural markets and empowering women economically will together drive inclusive growth and long-term development. With increased investment in infrastructure and community-based initiatives, the state aims to create a resilient rural economy that supports farmers, women, and youth alike.
