Agartala: Mar 26: In the 2024-25 financial year, incarcerated prisoners in Tripura have generated a revenue of ₹2.78 lakh through agriculture and other production activities. Although this year’s revenue is lower compared to the previous year, it is ₹45,000 higher than the 2022-23 financial year. This information was shared during the budget session of the Tripura Legislative Assembly.
The data revealed that prisoners continue to contribute to the state’s revenue by producing agricultural and other items, making a significant contribution to the state treasury over the past three years. In the 2022-23 financial year, the revenue was ₹2,31,561.50, which increased to ₹3,22,114 in 2023-24. However, in the current financial year, it slightly decreased to ₹2,78,108. This revenue is deposited into the state’s treasury under the “Head of Account.” Furthermore, while no prisoners passed secondary or higher secondary exams in 2022 and 2023, in 2024, a prisoner from the Gandachhera Sub-Divisional Jail passed the secondary examination, marking a rare success in prisoner rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, in August 2024, heavy rains and floods caused significant damage to Tripura’s agriculture. According to government records, 2,05,578 farmers were affected by this disaster, and a total of ₹29.46 crore in assistance was provided. Of this, ₹20 crore was distributed to 1,60,229 farmers, and the remaining ₹9.46 crore was given to 45,349 horticulturists and other farmers.
In the Khwai district, 6,231 hectares of land were flooded, severely affecting local farmers. Additionally, the Rishyamukh and Padmabil blocks lost 3,787 and 429 hectares of crops, respectively. Farmers in these regions received ₹1,000 each under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for Kharif crops, along with winter vegetable seeds. Furthermore, each farmer received ₹2,880 per kani for land cleaning.
In addition, Jhum farmers in Tripura also suffered extensive losses due to excessive rainfall in 2024, with 1,079.44 hectares of Jhum crops being damaged. The state government has announced that further aid will be provided under the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF). Additionally, from the 2025-26 financial year, the state government plans to expand insurance coverage for potato and watermelon farmers to help secure their livelihoods.
