Agartala, December 5, 2025: The Tripura government has set its sights on achieving self-sufficiency in potato and onion production, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced this week. He further stated that Khowai and Dhalai districts are expected to become self-reliant in paddy production within the current season.
Speaking at the inauguration of a project-cum-workshop titled “Rabi Onion—A Promising Cash Crop for Rural Economic Development and Livelihood in Tripura”, organized jointly by the College of Agriculture, Tripura, and NABARD’s regional office, Nath emphasized the government’s priority on agriculture.
“Our primary goal is self-sufficiency. Agriculture contributes 46 percent to the state’s economy, while tourism and trade account for the rest. Agriculture—covering horticulture, farming, fisheries, and ARDD—is our foundation,” Nath said.
Out of Tripura’s eight districts, three have already achieved self-sufficiency in paddy production. Khowai and Dhalai are expected to join them this year, raising the total to five districts. The government’s next priority is vegetable cultivation, with particular emphasis on potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, which are staples in the local diet. To boost yields, potato farming is being expanded through the use of ARC methods.
Nath noted that onion farming in Tripura is no longer “unthinkable.” Over the past few years, the College of Agriculture, NABARD Agartala, and the Agriculture Department have successfully conducted experimental cultivation of 12 varieties of rabi onion.
Between 2022 and 2024, the College of Agriculture carried out three seasons of trials, identifying suitable varieties and optimal planting schedules. Based on these results, NABARD has approved a project to develop rabi onion cultivation technology in the state.
“With proper methods and strategies, high-yield onion production across Tripura is possible. This will reduce the demand-supply gap and minimize dependence on other states,” Nath explained.
The event was attended by Dr. Phani Bhushan Jamatia, Director of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare; Deepak Das, Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation; Anil Kotmire, General Manager of NABARD; Pradip Baran Roy, member of ICAR–IMC; and Rajib Debbarma, Mission Director of MODICDNER, among other dignitaries.
