Tripura government to spend Rs 158 crore on 60 new markets to boost agriculture, rural employment, women empowerment, and self-reliance. Minister Ratan Lal Nath highlights infrastructure growth, SHGs expansion, and modern farming initiatives across the state.
The Tripura government has announced an ambitious plan to invest more than Rs 158 crore for the development of 60 new market infrastructures across the state, aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods, promoting self-reliance, and boosting the agricultural economy. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath made the announcement on Monday while inaugurating new market facilities in South Tripura district.
Addressing a public programme at Manpather Bazar, where a new market stall and a double-storied market complex were inaugurated, Nath emphasized that the government’s development agenda is people-centric and not guided by political considerations. He stated that the core objective of the government is to empower citizens economically and create sustainable livelihood opportunities at the grassroots level.
The minister also inaugurated infrastructure development works at the primary rural market in Santirbazar, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening rural market systems. Later in the day, he visited the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables at Bir Chandra Manu in South Tripura, highlighting the state’s focus on modern agricultural practices and innovation.
Nath noted that Tripura is home to two Centres of Excellence for Vegetables, out of a total of 60 such centres across the country. The second centre is located at Jumderdhep in Sipahijala district. The Bir Chandra Manu centre, he said, produces high-quality vegetable seedlings throughout the year using a blend of Israeli and Indian modern agricultural technologies. The centre also undertakes advanced vegetable cultivation practices.
He further explained that the facility uses soilless seedling production techniques, which have significantly improved both the quality and productivity of crops. According to the minister, such technological interventions are essential to make farming more profitable and attractive, especially for small and marginal farmers.
Highlighting employment generation, Nath said the newly introduced VB GRAM G Act 2025 would benefit people across all sections of society. He added that the number of mandays under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has been increased from 100 to 125, providing enhanced income security for rural households.
“For North Eastern states, including Tripura, 90 per cent of the funding under this scheme will be provided by the Central government, while the state government will bear only 10 per cent. In contrast, other states will receive 60 per cent central funding with 40 per cent state contribution,” Nath said.
Comparing past and present investments in market infrastructure, the minister pointed out that between 2011 and 2018, the previous government had spent only Rs 20 crore on markets. In contrast, the present government has invested Rs 303 crore since 2018. “This year alone, Rs 158 crore will be spent on 60 new markets. Our aim is to generate employment at the grassroots and make people self-reliant,” he added.
Nath stressed that markets play a crucial role in supporting farmers, as agriculture continues to be the backbone of Tripura’s economy. He urged local authorities, traders, and stakeholders to ensure proper maintenance of market facilities so that farmers can access better trading environments and buyers from distant regions.
He also revealed that around 8.10 lakh assets have been created in the state and emphasized the need to maintain quality standards to attract larger markets and consumers.
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Highlighting women empowerment, Nath said the number of self-help groups (SHGs) in Tripura has increased dramatically from 4,160 before the present government took office to 50,054 now. “During our tenure, 1.08 lakh women have become Lakhpati Didis, with South Tripura leading in numbers,” he said.
Concluding his address, the minister acknowledged that no government can provide jobs to everyone but stressed that Tripura is focusing on sustainable livelihood creation, particularly for women, to ensure long-term financial independence and inclusive growth.
