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Key Points

Tripura is making significant progress in agricultural self-sufficiency with two more districts set to achieve food grain independence. The state government is actively promoting urban farming, especially in densely populated areas where land is limited. Minister Ratan Lal Nath expressed confidence that with favorable rainfall, Dhalai and Khowai districts will soon join the three already self-sufficient districts. The agriculture department is also focusing on increasing pulses production and organic farming methods across the state.

Key Points: Tripura Districts Dhalai Khowai Nearing Food Grain Self-Sufficiency

  • Two more Tripura districts to join three already self-sufficient in food grain production
  • State government promoting urban farming in densely populated West District
  • Tripura aims for potato and onion self-sufficiency within three years
  • Agriculture department emphasizing organic farming and pulses production
  • State achieves higher rice yield than national average at 3,299 kg per hectare
  • North Tripura district included in PM's new agriculture scheme for low production areas
3 min read

Two more districts set to achieve self-sufficiency in food grain production: Tripura Minister

Tripura Agriculture Minister announces Dhalai and Khowai districts will soon achieve food grain self-sufficiency, with state focusing on urban farming and organic cultivation.

"If rainfall remains favourable, Dhalai and Khowai will also become self-sufficient in food grain production. - Ratan Lal Nath"

Agartala, Oct 11

Two more Tripura districts -- Dhalai and Khowai -- would soon become self-sufficient in food grain production, and the state government is stressing urban farming in the cities of the state, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced on Saturday.

The Minister said that out of the total of eight districts in the state, South Tripura, Sepahijala, and Gomati districts are already self-sufficient in food grain production. After virtually listening to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech and the launching of the two ambitious schemes in the agriculture sector, Nath said that in Tripura, rainfall is abundant, so production is good, but insect attacks on crops are a major issue.

“Earlier, we used to import potatoes from outside Tripura, but within three years, we will become self-sufficient in potato and onion production as well. We are now encouraging farmers to produce more pulses. We are also focusing on organic farming, and production is gradually increasing,” the Minister said. He said that production is limited in Tripura due to less cultivable land. “If we had more land, we could produce more. Our farmers are very hardworking. If rainfall remains favourable, Dhalai and Khowai will also become self-sufficient in food grain production. In the West District, due to higher population and less land, we are focusing on urban farming, especially horticulture.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched two major schemes in the agriculture sector — PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) and Dalhan Atmanirbharta Mission (Pulse Self-Reliance Mission), with an outlay of Rs 35,440 crore. Besides Agriculture Minister Nath, Chief Minister Manik Saha and senior officials also virtually attended the event in Agartala. The Agriculture Minister said that the PM Dhan Dhaanya Krishi Yojana is aimed at 100 districts, including the North Tripura District, as these districts are facing low food grain production.

“North Tripura district is lagging behind in the production of various crops, while out of the total of eight districts in the state, South Tripura, Sepahijala, and Gomati districts are already self-sufficient in food grain production. Khowai, Dhalai, Unakoti, and West Tripura districts are also still behind. In all-India rice production, Tripura is in the 6th position. The national average is 2,882 kg per hectare, while in Tripura it is 3,299 kg per hectare,” Minister Nath said.

He said that in pulses, the national average is 881 kg per hectare, while in Tripura it is 856 kg per hectare, which is slightly less. “In terms of agricultural loans, Sepahijala district ranks first, followed by South District, then West District, while North District has received fewer agricultural loans. All these aspects are being monitored at the national level,” said the Minister. He also mentioned that the agriculture department is emphasising the production of pulses.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see our farmers getting the recognition they deserve. The hard work of Tripura's farmers is paying off. Urban farming is a smart move for densely populated areas - more cities should adopt this.
A
Arjun K
While the progress is commendable, I hope the government ensures that the benefits actually reach small farmers. Sometimes these schemes only help big landowners. The focus should be on equitable distribution of resources.
S
Sarah B
Impressive that Tripura ranks 6th in rice production nationally! The yield per hectare is actually higher than national average. This shows what proper planning and implementation can achieve. Kudos to the farmers and officials!
V
Vikram M
The mention of insect attacks is concerning. Hope the agriculture department is providing adequate technical support and pesticides to farmers. Crop protection is as important as production enhancement.
M
Michael C
Becoming self-sufficient in potatoes and onions within 3 years would be a huge achievement! These are essential kitchen items and local production will definitely help control prices. Good planning by the state government.

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