Agartala: In a bid to boost agricultural productivity and promote large-scale orange cultivation in the hilly regions of Tripura, the Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department has initiated several new measures aimed at expanding cultivation areas and supporting farmers. The announcement came on Thursday after Horticulture and Soil Conservation Minister Ratan Lal Nath inaugurated the Centre for Floriculture and Landscape, along with launching the State Level Orange Festival 2025 at the Badharghat Progeny Orchard in Agartala.
Speaking at the event, Minister Nath emphasised that agriculture remains the backbone of the state’s economy. “Around 46% of contribution comes from farmers. The rest comes from tourism, the service sector, and other allied fields. There was a time when agriculture was neglected, but people are once again recognising its importance,” he said. Highlighting success stories, he mentioned a farmer from Jirania who sells Malta produced on his land at Rs 100 per piece, adding that the state has seen flourishing cultivation of oranges in Jampui Hills, Sakhang, and Killa.
The Minister pointed out that the current government has been extending extensive support to farmers, enabling them to diversify crops and adopt improved technologies. “We want employment in every household. There were no initiatives earlier to cultivate onion, but our agricultural scientists have demonstrated that Tripura is capable of producing significant quantities. We have also started cultivating ARC potatoes, which are in high demand among farmers,” he added.
Nath noted that the Orange Festival, previously held twice in Killa, is now being organised in Badharghat to encourage more farmers to participate and showcase their produce. He also highlighted the transformation of the flower garden in Badharghat, which was once overgrown with forest. “We have started cultivating flowers throughout the year. Over 100 orange farmers have joined this programme. Our main objective is to help the farmers prosper,” he said.
Providing detailed figures on orange cultivation, the Minister stated that Tripura currently has 3,846 hectares under orange cultivation, producing 16,538 metric tonnes annually. The state averages 4,300 kg of orange production per hectare. To increase this output, experts have recommended expanding cultivation in the hilly belts of Baramura in West Tripura, as well as in Khowai, Gomati, and the Sakhan Hills of Dhalai district.
Between 2018–19 and 2025–26, a total of 353 hectares of new land have been brought under orange cultivation through various government projects. Of this, 80 hectares were added in the current year alone. Additionally, 228 hectares of old orchards have been rejuvenated at a cost of Rs 2,000 per hectare, with 31 hectares restored this year.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including MLA Mina Rani Sarkar, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department Secretary Apurba Roy, Director of Farmers’ Welfare Phanibhushan Jamatia, and Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation Dipak Kumar Das. The presence of senior officials underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening horticulture and enhancing livelihood opportunities for farmers across Tripura.
With the state focusing on promoting oranges, floriculture, and other high-value crops, Tripura aims to further diversify its agricultural sector and create sustainable income avenues for rural communities.
