In a major initiative to promote natural farming, chemical-free food production, and improve farmers’ livelihoods, Tripura’s Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Labour, Tinku Roy, on Friday inaugurated the district-level ‘Save the Fields’ campaign and Natural Farming Programme at Swami Vivekananda Hall in Srirampur at Kailashahar under Unakoti district.
The programme was jointly organized by the Office of the Deputy Director of Agriculture, Unakoti district, and the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). As part of the event, power weeders were distributed to selected farmers under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme. Farmers also received high-quality seeds, Soil Health Cards, and bio-pesticides for use in natural farming.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Roy said that although the economies of many countries suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, India’s agricultural sector played a crucial role in strengthening the nation’s economy. Stressing the importance of sustainable farming, he remarked, “If farmers survive, the country survives,” and urged cultivators to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers and pesticides by adopting natural and organic farming practices.
The minister noted that around 400 to 450 new cancer patients apply for government financial assistance every month in Tripura, highlighting the urgent need to produce safe, chemical-free, and nutritious food. He also said that welfare schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Kisan Credit Card, and procurement of paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) have significantly improved the financial condition of farmers.
A technical session was also held during the programme, where experts from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra trained farmers on modern natural and organic farming techniques, pest and disease management, and methods to enhance crop productivity.
Among those present were Unakoti Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati Amlendu Das, Kailashahar Municipal Council Chairperson Chapala Rani Debroy, Chandipur Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Sampa Das Paul, Senior Scientist of Unakoti KVK Dr. Ratan Das, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Unakoti Dr. Debashis Paul, prominent social workers, and a large number of farmers from different parts of the district.