Agartala, January 12, 2026: Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Monday emphasized that holistic development of the state is only possible through the collective participation of all sections of society.

He was speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Primary Rural Market Development Project at Sonkhola market in Khowai district.

Highlighting agriculture as the backbone of Tripura’s economy, Nath said both the central and state governments under Prime Minister Narendra Modi are working together to strengthen the sector. He contrasted the progress made under the current administration with that of the previous government, noting that between 2011 and 2018, only 71 agricultural markets were established at a cost of ₹20.60 crore. In comparison, since 2018, the present government has set up 204 markets with an expenditure of ₹461.83 crore.

In Khowai district alone, the earlier government had spent just ₹2 crore on eight markets, whereas the current administration has invested ₹43 crore to expand agricultural infrastructure.

Nath stressed that strengthening agricultural markets is essential to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce. Tripura currently has 554 agricultural markets, including 21 regulated markets, 63 wholesale markets, and 470 rural markets. Six new projects have been approved in Khowai district at Baijalbari, South Singicherra, Champahour, Kalyanpur, Hawaibari, and Chakmaghat.

“Without everyone’s participation, comprehensive development is not possible. We must work together to achieve the state’s progress,” Nath said.

The event was attended by MLA Ranjit Debbarma, Executive Member Suhel Debbarma, Vice Chairman Surjit Debbarma, social workers Alendra Debbarma and Sukesh Debbarma, and Director Phani Bhushan Jamatia, among others.