Tripura’s Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced ₹160 crore for 60 new rural markets to boost agricultural infrastructure. Since 2018, 144 markets have been developed under NABARD’s RIDF scheme to make the state self-reliant in agriculture.
In a major push towards agricultural self-reliance, Tripura Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced that the state government has sanctioned ₹160 crore for the construction of 60 rural markets across the state’s 60 assembly constituencies. The initiative aims to strengthen agricultural infrastructure and ensure better marketing opportunities for farmers.
The Minister made the announcement while laying the foundation stone of the Tulasikhar Primary Rural Market under the Tulasikhar Agri Sub-Division on Thursday. Highlighting the government’s ongoing efforts to empower farmers and modernize the agriculture sector, he stated that agricultural self-sufficiency is a key pillar for overall state development.
“Being self-reliant in agriculture means taking the state forward on the path of self-reliance,” said Ratan Lal Nath.
Focus on Self-Reliance and Farmer Welfare
Emphasizing the importance of agriculture in India’s growth story, the Minister said,
“The main foundation of India is agriculture. The dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is to bring India under modern, creative, and stable management in the field of agriculture and to establish the country as the grain bank of the world.”
He added that nearly 70 percent of Tripura’s population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture for their livelihood. Hence, agricultural self-sufficiency is not just an economic goal but a social necessity for Tripura.
“Our government is continuously working to increase farmers’ income and ensure self-sufficiency in food crop production,” he stated.
Investment in Agricultural Infrastructure
Ratan Lal Nath underlined the need for strong infrastructure to achieve the state’s self-reliance goals. The government has adopted a multi-dimensional approach to improve the condition of both primary rural markets and agriculturally regulated markets.
“The development of agricultural infrastructure is very necessary for making the state self-reliant. Keeping this goal in mind, the state government is working with extensive initiatives to develop the infrastructure of various markets,” the Minister said.
The Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department is implementing several projects aimed at modernizing rural markets, providing better facilities for the storage, sale, and transport of agricultural produce. These markets are expected to benefit thousands of small and marginal farmers by giving them direct access to fair prices and reducing dependency on middlemen.
144 Markets Developed Since 2018
Highlighting the progress made since 2018, Ratan Lal Nath revealed that a total of 144 market development projects have been completed in the last seven and a half years under the NABARD-funded RIDF project.
He noted that the total financial assistance received for these works amounts to ₹303.43 crore, demonstrating the state government’s strong commitment to rural development.
“From 2018–19 till now, a total of 144 market development works have been undertaken in the state with financial assistance from NABARD. In contrast, during the last seven years of the previous government, only ₹20 crore was spent for market development,” he stated.
Empowering Rural Economies
The Minister emphasized that developing rural markets is not merely about constructing physical infrastructure—it is about strengthening local economies and creating sustainable livelihoods. The new rural markets will serve as vital economic hubs where farmers can sell their produce, traders can connect directly with cultivators, and consumers can access fresh, local products at fair prices.
He added that the initiative aligns with the broader vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India), under which states like Tripura are encouraged to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security for all citizens.
Government’s Commitment to Farmers
The government’s long-term vision includes not only market development but also promoting modern farming practices, irrigation infrastructure, and agro-based industries. By combining these efforts, Tripura aims to reduce rural poverty and improve the overall standard of living for farmers.
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Minister Nath concluded by reiterating the government’s determination to make Tripura a model of agricultural self-reliance, adding that continuous investments in infrastructure and capacity building would ensure long-term benefits for future generations.
