Agartala, September 25, 2025: Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Wednesday inaugurated the newly constructed market building at Barpathari Agri Produce Market, underscoring the state and central governments’ commitment to farmers under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking at the event, the Minister said that farmers are now receiving due respect and fair prices for their produce, a shift from the past. “Farmers are like gods. Without them, there can be no food. That is why we are giving them the respect and recognition they deserve,” Nath said.

Highlighting infrastructure development, the Minister informed that Tripura currently has 554 agriculture markets, including 84 wholesale markets and 21 Agri Produce Markets. “During the last seven years of the previous government, only ₹20.26 crore was spent, whereas in the last seven years under our government, ₹303 crore has been invested, and 144 markets have been established. No one can now claim they don’t have access to a market. This is what Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas means,” he added.

The Minister further announced that all 21 Agri Produce Markets will be integrated with the E-NAM platform to facilitate online trading and ensure farmers receive the actual price for their goods. Currently, seven markets—Panisagar, Pabiachara, Kulai, Teiamura, Mohanpur, Sonamura, and Santirbazar—are already operating on the platform, while integration work is underway in several others, including Barpathari.

Nath also recalled how India, once dependent on grain imports, is now the world’s second-largest producer of paddy and has moved towards exporting. “This transformation has been made possible because of our farmers. Agriculture remains the backbone of both the state and the country,” he said.

The event was also attended by Cooperation Minister Sukla Charan Noatia, MLA Swapna Majumder, Sabhadhipati Dipak Datta, and other dignitaries.