Agartala, March 07, 2026: Food grain production in Tripura has increased by 12 percent this year compared to the previous year, reflecting the growing strength of the agriculture sector and rising participation of youths in farming activities. This was stated by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Saturday.
The minister was speaking after inaugurating the State Level Kisan Mela 2025–26 and the Conferment of State and District Level Best Farmers Awards at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala.
Addressing the gathering, Nath highlighted the importance of agriculture in the state’s economy and said farmers play a crucial role in ensuring food security and economic development. Referring to the vision of Narendra Modi, the minister said the Prime Minister has called upon people to “produce more, connect more and export more” to help India emerge as a Vishwa Guru.
“The Prime Minister speaks about four important pillars of society—the poor, youth, women and farmers. If these four sections are empowered, the nation will progress rapidly. Farmers in Tripura are the backbone of our economy and we are working continuously for the development of the agriculture sector,” Nath said.
He informed that Tripura has around 4.72 lakh farmers out of a total population of 42.22 lakh, highlighting the sector’s importance for the state’s livelihood and economy. The Kisan Mela, he said, was organised to recognise the tireless efforts of farmers who ensure food for the people.
The minister also pointed out that modern and scientific farming practices are being promoted in the state due to limited plain land and extensive forest areas. Out of 65.57 lakh kanis of land in Tripura, about 30.17 lakh kanis are used for cultivation, while paddy alone is grown on nearly 15 lakh kanis.
Highlighting district achievements, Nath said Sepahijala district has emerged as the leading district in paddy self-sufficiency, followed by South Tripura and Gomati, while Khowai district has also achieved self-sufficiency in paddy production this year. Efforts are underway to make the remaining districts—Dhalai, Unakoti, North Tripura and West Tripura—self-sufficient in the coming years.
The minister further informed that organic cultivation in the state has expanded significantly. “Earlier only 2,000 hectares were under organic farming, but in the last seven years it has increased to 26,500 hectares,” he said. He added that Tripura’s organic products such as bird’s eye chilli, ginger, Kalikhasa rice and turmeric have strong demand in international markets, including Germany.
Natural farming practices have also been expanded to 5,550 hectares across the state. Nath noted that young people are increasingly entering the agriculture sector with innovative ideas, leading to higher productivity and better income opportunities.
During the programme, 10 farmers were honoured at the state level with Rs 50,000 each, while 80 farmers received Rs 25,000 each at the district level. Nearly 300 farmers will also be awarded Rs 10,000 each at the block level in recognition of their contribution to agricultural development in Tripura.
