Tripura Govt to develop agricultural market infrastructure to boost farmers’ income: Ratan Lal Nath

The BJP government in Tripura will develop agricultural market infrastructure across the state to boost farmers’ income and strengthen their livelihoods, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Sunday.

The minister said that to further increase farmers’ income and make Tripura self-reliant in food grain production, the state government plans to construct market buildings and related infrastructure in all 60 Assembly constituencies at a total cost of Rs 158 crore.

Highlighting the government’s performance, Nath said that between 2011 and 2018, the previous Left Front government developed infrastructure in 71 agricultural markets over seven years at a cost of Rs 20.60 crore. In contrast, during the seven years since the BJP came to power in 2018, infrastructure has been developed in 204 agricultural markets with an expenditure of Rs 461.83 crore.

He said the expansion of market infrastructure would significantly benefit farmers by providing improved facilities for selling their produce.

Tripura currently has 554 agricultural markets, but many lack adequate infrastructure. Of these, 21 are regulated markets, 63 are wholesale markets, and 470 are rural markets, the minister said.

Nath added that during the current year alone, Rs 158 crore will be spent on developing infrastructure in 60 additional agricultural markets. He emphasized that the present government does not view development works through a political lens, especially in the agriculture sector, and aims to create employment opportunities and promote self-reliance.

The minister also highlighted women’s empowerment initiatives, stating that the number of self-help groups (SHGs) in Tripura has increased from 4,160 before 2018 to 50,054 at present. He said more than 1.08 lakh women have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’, with South Tripura district leading in numbers.

According to Nath, the ‘Lakhpati Didis’ are not only economically empowered but are also guiding their families towards prosperity. He attributed this achievement to women’s determination, sustained government support, and active community participation.