Agartala’s agricultural landscape is set for a transformative push as Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath urged the central government for additional funding during a key financial review meeting on Tuesday. Chaired virtually by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the session focused on centrally sponsored schemes critical to the state’s farming community.
Nath spotlighted the need for expanded hybrid paddy cultivation, requesting support to cover over 30,000 hectares under the RKVY-DPR project by the 2026-27 fiscal year. With nearly 50% of Tripura’s cultivable land dedicated to paddy, this initiative is pivotal for ensuring food security in the region. The minister emphasized how hybrid varieties could boost yields and resilience against local challenges.
The meeting reviewed progress across 18 states, with Chouhan expressing satisfaction over Tripura’s financial discipline and spending trends. Nath reported impressive utilization rates: 79% under the PM-RKVY umbrella scheme, 61% for the Agriculture Production Scheme, and 61% for natural farming projects. ‘Our state ranks among the top five in expenditure efficiency,’ he proudly noted, while pushing for full utilization of current allocations and extra funds to amplify farmer welfare programs.
Mechanization emerged as another priority, with a demand for Rs 20 crore more under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM). Nath also highlighted ongoing efforts to issue Farm IDs, seeking assistance to cover over 1.25 lakh tribal farmers holding ROFR patta lands. Given that 96% of Tripura’s farmers are small or marginal, he called for revised cost norms in schemes like RKVY, National Food Security Mission, and National Mission on Oil Palm to better support paddy farming activities.
Chouhan acknowledged the validity of these requests and assured prompt action to approve the funds. Attendees included Department Secretary Apurva Roy, Director Phanibhushan Jamatia, and other senior officials. This development signals a robust central-state partnership aimed at fortifying Tripura’s agricultural backbone for sustainable growth.