Tripura Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath highlights massive market infrastructure growth, Rs 57 crore investment in Sepahijala, and a strong push to double farmers’ income, strengthen agricultural marketing, and build a self-reliant Tripura aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision.
The Tripura government is prioritizing agricultural growth and market infrastructure development as part of its larger mission to double farmers’ income and build a self-reliant state, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Sunday.
Speaking after inaugurating the newly constructed agri-produce market building at Bisramganj in Sepahijala district, the minister emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of the state’s economy and must receive sustained policy support.
“The previous government never worked for the farmers in a structured and impactful manner. But under the present government, farmers are witnessing tangible benefits. We are committed to doubling farmers’ income because agriculture is the foundation of our economy,” Nath said.
Major Investment in Market Infrastructure
Highlighting infrastructure expansion, the minister said that in the past seven years, the present state government has constructed 23 agricultural markets in Sepahijala district alone, with a total investment of Rs 57 crore.
In contrast, he noted, the previous administration built only six markets in seven years and spent merely Rs 4 crore.
In Bishalgarh sub-division, 15 markets have been developed at an expenditure of Rs 35 crore, demonstrating what Nath described as a “clear shift in development priorities.”
He stressed that improving agricultural production alone is not sufficient. Proper marketing infrastructure is equally essential to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce.
“Production without market access limits farmers’ potential earnings. That is why we are strengthening market networks across the state,” he said.
Vision of Self-Reliance
Nath aligned the state’s efforts with the national vision of self-reliance championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“The most important matter is to make the state self-reliant. Both the state and central governments are working in that direction. The Prime Minister wants a self-reliant India, and we want a self-reliant Tripura. To make this successful, agriculture must be given top priority,” he said.
According to the minister, food grain cultivation in the state has increased by 12 percent this year, reflecting improved agricultural policies and farmer participation.
He also pointed out the transformation in India’s agricultural output, recalling that there was once a time when the country had to wait for rice imports from the United States. “Today, India is producing the highest quantity of paddy. The Prime Minister has expressed his vision of making India a global storage hub for grains,” Nath added.
Promoting Organic Exports
In a significant example of expanding agricultural outreach, Nath shared his recent visit to Germany with a farmer, Laxman Reang of Jampuijala. They showcased organic products including Kalikhasa rice, Basmati rice, bird’s eye chilli, ginger, and turmeric at an international stall.
“We must become self-reliant not only in production but also in marketing and exports. Our farmers have the potential to compete globally. We have human resources that no other country has,” he said.
The minister emphasized that respect for farmers must go beyond rhetoric. “If farmers do not cultivate, what will others do? Agriculture sustains every sector of our economy. That is why farmers must be given due respect and institutional support,” he stated.
Political and Administrative Presence
The inauguration event was attended by MLA Sushanta Deb, Sabhadhipati Supriya Das Dutta, and other local leaders and officials.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Nath said the combined efforts of the state and central governments are aimed at ensuring that farmers benefit from better infrastructure, improved market access, and policy-driven support systems.
With substantial investments in agricultural markets, rising food grain production, and growing export ambitions, the Tripura government is positioning agriculture as the central pillar of economic growth and rural transformation.
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“Our commitment is clear — double farmers’ income, strengthen agricultural markets, and build a self-reliant Tripura,” the minister concluded.
