Dharmanagar, June 17: Farmers from different parts of North Tripura gathered at the Community Hall of Ragna Higher Secondary School on Tuesday to participate in a one-day agricultural workshop organized under the nationwide “Khet Bachao Abhiyan”. The programme, conducted by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, focused on promoting crop protection, sustainable farming practices, and the adoption of modern agricultural technologies.
The workshop was inaugurated by State Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath in the presence of MLA Jahar Chakraborty, Jadab Lal Debnath, Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Aparna Nath, and senior officials from the Agriculture Department.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Nath highlighted the importance of protecting agricultural land from declining fertility and environmental degradation caused by the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. He said the month-long Khet Bachao Abhiyan, being observed across the country throughout June, aims to encourage farmers to adopt natural and organic farming practices for long-term agricultural sustainability.
The minister noted that before 2018, natural farming had little presence in Tripura. However, sustained government efforts have led to significant progress, with more than 5,000 hectares currently under natural farming and a target of 16,000 hectares by the end of the year. He also pointed out that the area under organic farming has expanded dramatically from 2,000 hectares to over 26,000 hectares in recent years.
“Many farmers believe that chemical inputs guarantee higher yields, but natural farming can also ensure productivity while reducing costs and preserving soil health,” Nath said. He assured farmers that the government would continue providing training, exposure visits, technical support, and incentives to promote sustainable agricultural practices.
The minister further emphasized that strengthening agriculture is essential to achieving India’s long-term development goals. He said that improving farm profitability through better seeds, modern technology, and scientific farming techniques remains a key priority of the government.
During the workshop, agricultural experts and scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) provided practical guidance on crop protection, pest management, and modern cultivation methods. Farmers were also introduced to innovative natural and organic farming techniques.
Participants welcomed the initiative, saying such awareness programmes help improve farming knowledge, increase productivity, and ensure sustainable livelihoods while protecting the environment for future generations.
