Agartala, Aug 16 – In a move aimed at combining environmental sustainability with agricultural growth, Tripura’s Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is considering signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to generate and preserve carbon credits through sustainable farming practices.
The announcement was made by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath during a mega organic sapling plantation drive at Abhicharan village under Mohanpur Assembly constituency on Saturday. The event, organized by the Lefunga Agricultural Subdivision, saw the plantation of over 1,200 organic mango and pink jackfruit saplings, with the Minister himself taking part.
Speaking on the occasion, Nath highlighted the urgent need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to protect future generations. He explained how major global corporations like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon purchase carbon credits to offset their emissions and stressed that Tripura is seriously examining this model. “Our department will work on formal agreements and ensure carbon credit preservation at the grassroots level,” he said.
The Minister also underlined Tripura’s rapid progress in organic farming. While only 2,000 hectares of land were under organic cultivation before 2018, the figure has now increased to 26,500 hectares, engaging more than 26,800 farmers. This growth, he said, was possible through the formation of 53 Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) that are promoting organic agriculture across the state.
Nath lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for farmer welfare, remarking, “For us, farmers are like deities. The government is committed to making people self-reliant.” He also pointed to India’s emergence as the fourth-largest economy and global recognition of its education policy.
Urging people to plant trees to combat climate change, Nath encouraged citizens to mark special occasions such as birthdays and weddings with plantation drives.
The event was attended by TTAADC Executive Member Runiel Debbarma, Lefunga Block Chairman Ranbir Debbarma, senior Agriculture Department officials, and other dignitaries.
