Tripura Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath has urged residents to start rooftop and courtyard gardens. By doing so, he said, families can grow vegetables and flowers at home, boosting self-reliance. “We have time to spare. Gardening allows us to do creative work and enjoy daily produce,” he explained.
Flower Garden Opens to Public
The minister inaugurated a new flower garden near Science City in Badharghat, which was developed by the Horticulture Department. Moreover, the garden is open to the public at a minimal ticket price, while students can enter for free. During the opening, the plaque was unveiled in a traditional ceremony.
Several officials attended the event, including Agriculture Secretary Apurba Kumar Roy, Director of Farmers Welfare Phani Bhusan Jamatya, Soil Conservation Director Dipak Kumar Das, Deputy Director Sujit Kumar Das, and MIDH consultant Gopal Malla. Their presence highlights the government’s commitment to promoting horticulture in the state.
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Orange Festival Launched
At the same time, Ratan Lal inaugurated a two-day Orange Festival at the same venue. He emphasized the importance of orange cultivation in Tripura, especially as a nutritious winter fruit. “If oranges can grow in non-traditional areas like Killa, then we can cultivate them across the state. However, we need a scientific approach and proper care,” he said.
Furthermore, the festival includes an exhibition where multiple departments have set up stalls. These departments include:
- Agriculture
- Horticulture
- Soil Conservation
- Agricultural Research Centre
- State Organic Farming Development
Through this exhibition, farmers can learn modern farming techniques, explore organic produce, and get guidance for expanding orange cultivation.
Local Leaders Support the Initiative
Badharghat MLA Meena Rani Sarkar also attended the inauguration. Her presence underscores local support for horticulture and sustainable practices. Overall, the dual inauguration promotes community participation, encourages tourism, and reinforces the state’s focus on self-reliance through agriculture.
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