Agartala, July 31: The state agriculture and farmers welfare minister Ratan Lal Nath on Thursday attended the planting of hybrid rice at Mohanpur and stated that enhancing the income of farmers is a key priority of the present state government.
Addressing a gathering during the launch of hybrid paddy transplantation using the SRI (System of Rice Intensification) method at Nandalal Das Para under Ishanpur Panchayat in Mohanpur block, the minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to farmer welfare.
“Farmers are our ‘Annadata’—the providers of food. The progress of farmers means the progress of the state and the nation,” Nath stated. He further credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for implementing farmer-centric policies since taking office, which have contributed significantly to the upliftment of the agricultural sector.
Highlighting India’s global standing in rice production, the minister noted that India ranks second in rice production and first in rice export worldwide. Tripura, too, is making strides in agricultural development, with a range of steps being undertaken for the benefit of its farmers.
Providing data on paddy cultivation in the state, Minister Nath shared that paddy is cultivated on 15 lakh kani (local land measurement) of land annually. Additionally, around 85,000 kani of land are used for jhum cultivation (shifting agriculture), he added.
He stated that out of the 58 blocks in the state, 30 blocks are currently food self-sufficient, and 3 out of 8 districts have achieved the same status. To further boost rice production, the government is promoting the SRI method, which can increase paddy yield by up to 80 kilograms per kani, according to experts.
Minister Nath urged farmers to adopt the SRI method for higher productivity and long-term sustainability. He also actively participated in the paddy planting process during the event.
