Agartala, December 30, 2024: Union Minister Prahlad Joshi on Sunday morning visited the revered Maa Tripura Sundari Temple at Matabari, Udaipur in Gomati district. Following this, he participated in the live broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program at Chandrapur Colony Higher Secondary School in Gomati district.

The Union Minister later inspected a renewable energy project at Barakubari village in Charilam under Sepahijala district. The project was implemented by the Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA) under central sponsorship, includes 27 solar power pumps installed across 54 acres under the PM-KUSUM Project (Component B). Joshi shared, “These initiatives have enabled farmers to produce two crops annually, effectively doubling their income.” He also highlighted the installation of 35 LED-based solar-powered streetlights in the region under MNRE projects.

Joshi announced a new scheme, the Private Enterprise Guarantee (PEG), aimed at enhancing food grain storage in the North East. “The Food Corporation of India plans to double its storage capacity in Tripura by constructing 70,000 MT of additional storage within two years,” he stated. Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, free food grains are being distributed to 81 crore beneficiaries nationwide. “This initiative is twice the population of the European Union,” Joshi emphasized.

In Tripura alone, 1.2 lakh metric tonnes of rice worth ₹360 crore have been procured in the past five years, benefiting approximately 94,000 farmers. Additionally, 1.75 lakh metric tonnes of nutritious rice enriched with essential micronutrients were distributed under various welfare schemes in the state.

Commending Tripura’s progress in renewable energy, Joshi noted, “Before 2018, the state’s solar power capacity was just 2.5 MW. Today, it exceeds 20.5 MW, marking a tenfold increase.” India has achieved 214 GW of renewable energy capacity and is targeting 500 GW by 2030 through initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Project and PM-KUSUM.

The Union Minister highlighted consumer-centric initiatives, including ₹3.65 crore allocated to Tripura for strengthening Consumer Commissions and ₹40 lakh for consumer awareness programs in 2023-24. To control commodity price volatility, the government has created an onion buffer stock, with rail transport ensuring efficient delivery to the North East.

He also discussed energy subsidies and savings, stating, “With MNRE subsidies and concessional loans, domestic consumers in Tripura can save immediately. Solar power generation will reduce dependency on high-cost gas-based electricity.”

Concluding his visit, Joshi praised the BJP-led state government’s commitment to renewable energy and collaboration with the Centre. “Together, we will ensure better opportunities and sustainable development for the people of Tripura,” he affirmed.