Tripura has launched an ambitious soil management initiative aimed at addressing the dual challenges of climate change and soil degradation. A workshop titled “Land Resource Inventory of Tripura using Geo-Spatial Techniques” was held on Wednesday at Nazrul Kalakshetra, Agartala, bringing together policymakers, scientists, and agricultural experts to strategize on optimizing the state’s farmland productivity while preserving the environment.
The event was organized by the ICAR-NBSS & LUP Regional Centre, Jorhat, in collaboration with Tripura’s Agriculture Department. Prominent attendees included Ratan Lal Nath, Agriculture Minister of Tripura, Dr. N.J. Patil, Director of ICAR-NBSS & LUP, Nagpur, Apurba Roy, Secretary of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, and several other senior officials and scientists.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Ratan Lal Nath emphasized the need for efficient use of Tripura’s limited land resources. “Soil is the cornerstone of agricultural success. This initiative reflects our commitment to future generations by promoting sustainable practices that ensure a healthy environment,” Nath said.
He also unveiled a detailed report on soil surveys conducted in the Gomati district, setting a precedent for similar studies across the state. Nath further emphasized that with only half of the cultivable land in active use, the state must focus on sustainable practices to maximize productivity. “Tripura’s achievements in paddy production, second only to Punjab, underscore the potential of well-managed agricultural strategies,” he added.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during the event to extend high-resolution soil inventory studies to three additional districts. These studies aim to provide farmers with comprehensive soil profiles, enabling tailored cultivation methods. Dr. N.J. Patil praised the state for conducting soil studies at a high-resolution scale of 1:10,000, calling it a “visionary step” for ensuring food security and environmental stability.
The workshop shed light on emerging challenges such as groundwater depletion and soil erosion. Dr. K.K. Mourya presented findings on Gomati and South Tripura’s diverse topography, suggesting region-specific agricultural strategies. Apurba Roy urged the expansion of scientific soil studies to all districts, describing them as crucial tools for empowering farmers with actionable knowledge.
The event concluded with a roadmap for sustainable agriculture, recommending measures such as crop diversification, expanded soil testing facilities, and farmer training programs. These steps aim to position Tripura as a leader in sustainable agriculture in Northeast India, setting a benchmark for the rest of the region.
