Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced that the state government has sanctioned ₹160 crore for the construction of 60 new rural markets across the state. Each of Tripura’s 60 assembly constituencies will have one market under this ambitious initiative. The project, officially titled the Tripura rural markets project, aims to improve agricultural infrastructure, boost rural trade, and strengthen market access for farmers.
Speaking at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Tulasikhar Primary Rural Market under the Tulasikhar Agricultural Subdivision, Minister Nath said the initiative reflects the government’s deep commitment to empowering the farming community. Forest Minister Animesh Debbarma was also present at the event, underscoring the government’s united approach to rural development.
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Nath stated, “Achieving self-reliance in agriculture is synonymous with steering Tripura towards comprehensive self-sufficiency. Farmers are the foundation of our economy, and their progress determines the state’s overall growth.”
Strengthening Tripura’s agricultural network
The minister explained that the Tripura rural markets project will play a key role in connecting farmers directly to buyers. The construction of 60 modern rural markets will reduce middlemen involvement, increase farmers’ income, and promote fair pricing. Each market will serve as a local hub where agricultural produce, livestock, and other rural goods can be traded easily.
According to Nath, the rural markets will include basic facilities such as storage units, cold chains, drinking water, sanitation, and solar lighting. The government plans to ensure that these markets remain accessible to small and marginal farmers. By integrating rural commerce with improved logistics, the project will also reduce post-harvest losses and improve income security.
He added that better market connectivity will also encourage farmers to diversify their produce and invest in value-added agricultural activities such as food processing and packaging.
A vision for self-reliant agriculture
Highlighting the broader vision behind the project, Ratan Lal Nath said that agricultural self-reliance is the cornerstone of Tripura’s development strategy. “Agriculture forms the backbone of our nation. Food is the most basic human need, followed by water, shelter, clothing, education, and electricity. Strengthening this foundation is essential for building a prosperous state,” he said.
He also reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India the “granary of the world” through modern and resilient agricultural practices. Nath noted that Tripura’s government is working in line with this national vision by encouraging innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector.
The minister urged farmers to adopt scientific farming methods and sustainable irrigation techniques to increase productivity. He emphasized that self-reliance in agriculture will lead to self-reliance in every other sector, from industry to education.
Infrastructure to empower farmers
The Tripura rural markets project is expected to transform rural trade and contribute significantly to the local economy. Each market will cater to the specific needs of its region, depending on the types of crops and produce grown locally.
By focusing on decentralized development, the project aims to ensure that every constituency benefits equally. Farmers from remote areas will no longer need to travel long distances to sell their produce. This decentralization will also create employment opportunities for local youth, vendors, and transport operators.
Nath said that the government is prioritizing infrastructure development in villages to build an efficient supply chain from the field to the consumer. Roads, cold storage, and market spaces are being developed simultaneously to make agricultural trade smoother and faster.
Collaboration and monitoring
The Minister assured that the government will implement a strict monitoring mechanism to ensure quality and timely completion of the markets. He said that the construction work will follow transparent guidelines and use durable, environment-friendly materials.
He also encouraged private sector participation in areas such as food processing, agri-tech, and logistics. According to Nath, Tripura’s recent progress in industrial and infrastructure development has created confidence among investors. With the construction of these markets, the government expects to see increased private investment in agri-based industries.
Additionally, the government plans to involve local self-help groups and cooperatives in managing the markets. Their involvement will ensure community participation and local ownership, which are essential for long-term success.
A step toward holistic development
Minister Nath’s announcement aligns with Tripura’s ongoing efforts to balance rural development with modern infrastructure. The government believes that strengthening the agricultural backbone will ensure stability for every other sector. As agriculture employs a large portion of Tripura’s population, improving its support systems directly impacts livelihoods and food security.
He said the government’s goal is not only to create physical infrastructure but also to bring transformative change in how farmers perceive agriculture. “Farmers must see themselves as entrepreneurs, not just producers,” Nath said. “We are working to provide the necessary infrastructure, market access, and technical support to make that vision a reality.”
The Tripura rural markets project also ties into the larger national missions for sustainable farming, organic cultivation, and rural entrepreneurship. Nath mentioned that the state has already made significant progress in horticulture, rubber, and fishery sectors, and the new markets will further help these industries grow.
Building a self-sufficient Tripura
The ₹160 crore investment in rural markets represents a strong push toward Tripura’s goal of self-sufficiency. Once completed, the network of 60 rural markets will not only improve agricultural trade but also drive rural entrepreneurship and small business development.
The initiative reflects Tripura’s broader vision of inclusive growth, where every district contributes to and benefits from the state’s progress. Minister Nath concluded by saying, “This project is not just about building markets. It is about empowering people, boosting confidence, and making Tripura self-reliant.”
With these markets taking shape, Tripura is moving toward an integrated and resilient agricultural ecosystem. The state’s focus on modernisation, inclusivity, and rural empowerment continues to redefine its development narrative, marking a new era of growth for its farmers and people.
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