30 out of 70 blocks in Tripura have become self-sufficient in food grain production. State Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced the milestone while addressing a press conference on Monday. This achievement is seen as a result of the government’s focused investment in agricultural infrastructure and technology over the past few years.
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Consistent efforts yield promising results
According to the minister, the state government initiated various schemes and support programs to encourage farmers to increase production. These included the distribution of high-yield seeds, the expansion of irrigation facilities, and training in modern farming practices.
“The dream of food self-reliance in Tripura is slowly turning into reality,” said Ratan Lal Nath. “Thirty blocks are now producing enough food grains to meet their own demand. This marks a big step towards our long-term goal of state-wide food sufficiency.”
Vision of Atmanirbhar Tripura in agriculture
The Agriculture Department has aligned its mission with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’ In Tripura, this translated to a push for ‘Atmanirbhar Krishi’ — self-reliant farming. The government focused on increasing rice, maize, and pulse production by ensuring timely input delivery and strengthening supply chains.
Officials also credited the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) and Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY) for playing key roles in improving agricultural output across these blocks.
District-wise progress in food grain production
Blocks in districts like West Tripura, Sepahijala, and South Tripura have made notable progress. Bishalgarh, Melaghar, and Charilam blocks were among the first to attain self-sufficiency. The minister noted that the remaining 40 blocks are also showing positive trends in productivity.
“Based on current growth, we expect another 10 to 15 blocks to achieve self-sufficiency within the next year,” said a senior official from the Agriculture Department.
Farmer-centric approach behind the success
The government ensured that schemes were not only launched but also reached the grassroots. Over 2 lakh farmers benefited from soil health cards, while more than 1 lakh farmers received direct training on scientific methods.
Tripura also witnessed a rise in mechanised farming practices, with the government providing subsidies for tractors, power tillers, and harvesters. These tools significantly reduced the dependency on manual labour and increased per-acre yield.
Women farmers were not left behind. Special self-help group (SHG) initiatives enabled hundreds of women to participate in sustainable agriculture.
Boost from improved irrigation and storage
Water availability has long been a challenge for Tripura’s farmers. However, micro-irrigation systems such as drip and sprinkler setups have now reached many of these blocks. These systems not only conserve water but also ensure year-round crop growth.
Additionally, new cold storage units and warehouses built in the last two years have helped farmers reduce post-harvest losses. This encouraged more consistent and profitable crop cycles.
Government aims to replicate model across all blocks
While celebrating the current success, the Agriculture Minister emphasized the need to maintain momentum. He said the government will scale up its support to the remaining blocks, especially those in hilly or remote regions.
“Our goal is to make Tripura entirely self-sufficient in food grain production within the next three years,” Nath said. He added that an expert committee will evaluate each non-performing block to identify challenges and recommend solutions.
The state will also increase focus on millet cultivation in line with the International Year of Millets campaign to promote nutrition and resilience in farming.
Farmers express satisfaction
Local farmers who have benefited from the schemes expressed gratitude toward the government. Ramesh Debnath, a farmer from Bishalgarh block, said, “Earlier we depended on supplies from outside during off-seasons. Now we are able to grow and store our grains. Our income has doubled.”
Women farmers from Khowai also shared how SHGs helped them purchase shared farming equipment and access markets for better prices.
Sustainable agriculture is the way forward
Experts believe that Tripura’s model of decentralized agriculture support and local food security can serve as a blueprint for other northeastern states. By promoting sustainable practices and farmer training, the state has created a strong foundation.
The Agriculture Department has also announced plans to introduce organic farming zones in the self-sufficient blocks. This step will ensure healthier produce and better market value for farmers.
Tripura’s achievement of food grain self-sufficiency in 30 blocks is a milestone worth celebrating. It reflects effective governance, farmer participation, and sustainable planning. With continued effort, the state is on track to achieving food security across all its blocks, improving the livelihoods of farmers and strengthening rural economies.
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