Agartala, June 24: In a significant boost to the agricultural sector, Tripura Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Monday announced that agricultural equipment worth ₹50 crore will be distributed among farmers during the current Kharif season. The initiative aims to bridge the state’s crop production shortfall by enhancing farm productivity.
Speaking to media persons after a high-level meeting on seasonal production targets, Minister Nath said that 47,500 hectares of land have been targeted for cultivation this Kharif season, with 25,000 hectares dedicated exclusively to hybrid paddy.
“As part of this plan, 1,500 power tillers will be provided to farmers, and for the first time, subsidies are being introduced for betel leaf cultivators,” Nath said.
To expedite the process of seed distribution and beneficiary selection, the Agriculture Department has brought in elected representatives from the block level, including members of standing committees. “Usually, block-level leaders are not involved in such processes. This time, we have taken a proactive step to involve them so that schemes reach grassroots farmers faster and more effectively,” the Minister added.
Seeds have already been dispatched to villages, and elected leaders have been tasked with completing beneficiary selection within this month.
The Minister also highlighted a reward scheme for progressive farmers. “At the block level, identified progressive farmers will receive ₹10,000. There are provisions for higher awards at the district and state levels,” he said.
Outlining the department’s production goal, Nath said, “We aim to increase yield by two metric tons per hectare. If achieved, this will eliminate the gap between current production and the state’s food grain requirement.”
The strategic distribution of modern machinery and support for innovative farming practices is expected to significantly boost agricultural output this season.
