Tripura has received a major responsibility in the agricultural sector. The Center has authorized the state to certify paddy seeds for its neighboring states, Manipur and Mizoram. The announcement was made by Tripura Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Wednesday in Agartala.
The minister said this move would ensure authenticity, quality, and traceability of paddy seeds distributed in the region. With this decision, Tripura is set to play a larger role in supporting seed supply chains in the Northeast.
Ensuring Quality for Farmers
According to Ratan Lal Nath, certified seeds are the backbone of agricultural productivity. When farmers receive authentic and high-germination seeds, the risk of crop failure reduces significantly. Certification guarantees that the seeds meet standards of purity, moisture content, and disease resistance.
He explained that farmers in Manipur and Mizoram often face challenges with seed authenticity, which leads to lower yields. With Tripura authorized as a certification hub, the chances of counterfeit seeds entering the supply chain will be minimized.
Boost for Regional Agriculture
The minister pointed out that the decision strengthens agricultural cooperation in the Northeast. “Our farmers will now have access to reliable seeds on time. This will directly benefit crop cycles and improve income security,” Nath said.
For farmers in Manipur and Mizoram, the availability of certified seeds from Tripura means reduced delays and better adaptation of seed varieties suited to their soil and climate. This step is expected to stabilize production and support food security in the two states.
Tripura’s Growing Infrastructure
Tripura has been strengthening its agricultural infrastructure in recent years. Seed testing laboratories, processing units, and research facilities have been upgraded to national standards. The authorization by the Center is seen as recognition of these improvements.
Nath added that Tripura will now emerge as a seed certification hub for the region. The state is also working on expanding cold storage and warehousing facilities to ensure the viability of seeds during transport.
Opportunities for Farmers and Youth
The certification role is expected to create opportunities not only for farmers but also for skilled youth. Jobs will open up in seed inspection, quality testing, and logistics. Training programs are also being planned to build a workforce capable of maintaining strict certification standards.
The agriculture minister highlighted that the move aligns with the government’s vision of empowering rural youth through agribusiness and technical expertise.
Alignment with National Policy
This development is part of the Center’s larger strategy to standardize and secure seed distribution across the country. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare has been working to ensure that farmers in all regions receive certified, high-quality seeds in time for the sowing season.
For further details, readers can visit the official Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare – Seeds Division. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) also provides research-backed guidelines on seed certification and crop improvement.
What Farmers Should Expect
With Tripura taking over the responsibility, farmers in Manipur and Mizoram can expect timely delivery of certified paddy seeds ahead of both kharif and rabi seasons. Agricultural officers will also launch awareness drives to help farmers identify certified seed tags and report any suspected counterfeit stock.
The government has assured strict monitoring to prevent malpractice and ensure that only genuine certified seeds reach the market.
A Milestone for Northeast Agriculture
The Center’s decision to authorize Tripura to certify paddy seeds marks an important milestone for agricultural cooperation in the Northeast. Farmers in Manipur and Mizoram will directly benefit from the supply of authentic seeds, while Tripura strengthens its role as a regional agricultural hub.
Minister Ratan Lal Nath said the move would not only protect farmers but also boost productivity and food security across the region. With the right systems in place, the initiative is expected to transform the seed supply chain. Further, support sustainable growth in the Northeast’s agricultural economy.