To enhance farmers’ earnings and achieve self-sufficiency in food grain production, Tripura’s government plans to construct 60 additional agricultural markets statewide, costing Rs 158 crore, as announced by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath. The Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and job creation, devoid of political considerations. Inaugurating a new market stall and a double-storied market complex at Manpather Bazar in South Tripura district, Nath also launched infrastructure development projects at the primary rural market in Santir Bazar.
Highlighting the significance of the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables at Bir Chandra Manu in South Tripura district, the Minister mentioned that Tripura hosts two out of the 60 such centers nationwide. These centers utilize modern Israeli and Indian technologies to produce high-quality vegetable seedlings year-round, incorporating advanced soilless seedling production methods. Nath further discussed the new VB GRAM G Act 2025 aimed at enhancing rural employment opportunities, extending workdays from 100 to 125 days, with a 90:10 funding ratio between the Centre and Northeastern states, unlike the 60:40 ratio for other states.
Emphasizing the government’s investment in agricultural markets, Nath revealed that the current administration has allocated Rs 303 crore since 2018, a significant increase from the previous seven years’ expenditure of Rs 20 crore. This year alone, Rs 158 crore will be dedicated to establishing 60 additional agricultural markets. The Minister stressed the non-partisan approach to development, focusing on job creation and self-reliance, with around 8.10 lakh assets generated in the state. Additionally, he highlighted the surge in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from 4,160 to 50,054 since 2018, empowering over 1.08 lakh women, particularly in South Tripura district, as ‘Lakhpati Didis’.
