Agartala, February 17: Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to boost farmers’ incomes, Tripura has seen a significant rise in farmers’ earnings, more than doubling since the 2015-16 fiscal year, said state Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Monday.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of Tripura’s first-ever Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) fair in Agartala, Nath stated that the event aims to ensure better prices for farmers’ produce and promote self-sufficiency in agriculture.
According to official data, the average monthly income of farmers in Tripura stood at ₹6,580 in 2015-16. This has now increased to ₹13,590, reflecting the impact of various state and central government initiatives.
Highlighting the role of FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations), the Minister said that these entities help farmers by leveraging economies of scale and collective marketing strength. Hundreds of farmers in Tripura are already registered with FPOs, enabling them to negotiate better deals, reduce production costs, and improve market access.
Nath emphasized that farmers are the backbone of the nation and remain a top priority for the government.
He listed several key measures undertaken to increase their income, including: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi for direct financial support, promotion of organic farming to enhance productivity and sustainability, expansion of palm oil production for agricultural diversification beside year-round production of crops like pineapple and jackfruit to boost exports and domestic supply.
The Minister, along with MP Rajib Bhattacharjee, Agriculture Department Secretary Apurba Roy, and other dignitaries, visited various stalls at the FPO fair, showcasing agricultural and allied sector products.
The event aims to create awareness and new opportunities for farmers, reinforcing the government’s commitment to enhancing rural prosperity.
