By Firstdespatch Desk Jun 26, 2026
Agartala, June 27 (FD) Reaffirming the state's commitment to sustainable agricultural development, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Monday inaugurated the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan' along with a daylong workshop on natural farming at Berimura Higher Secondary School under Bamutia Block in Mohanpur subdivision. The programme aimed to encourage farmers to adopt eco-friendly cultivation practices while reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers for long-term agricultural sustainability.
Addressing a large gathering of farmers, agricultural experts and public representatives, the Chief Minister said that the progress of rural areas and the overall development of the country largely depend on the growth of the agriculture sector. He stated that nearly 60 percent of India's workforce is directly or indirectly associated with agriculture, making the welfare of farmers essential for national development.
Highlighting the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr. Saha said that the Union Government has introduced several farmer-centric initiatives to enhance agricultural production and improve farmers' income. He noted that India's agriculture sector has witnessed positive transformation due to these initiatives and that sustainable farming practices are now becoming equally important alongside economic productivity.
The Chief Minister emphasized that excessive and uncontrolled use of chemical fertilizers has adversely affected soil fertility, crop quality, groundwater resources and the overall environment. To address these concerns, the Government of India launched the Khet Bachao Abhiyan nationwide from June 1 to June 30 under the slogan, "Save the Soil, Save Agriculture, Save Farmers." He urged farmers across Tripura to actively participate in the campaign by embracing natural and environmentally responsible farming methods.
Dr. Saha also highlighted several flagship agricultural schemes of the Central Government, including the Kisan Credit Card, Soil Health Card, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, stating that these programmes are providing direct financial and technical support to farmers through the Department of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. He stressed that increasing public awareness about these schemes would enable more farmers to benefit and contribute towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Encouraging farmers to adopt quality seeds, modern agricultural technology and natural cultivation methods, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that Tripura's agricultural sector would witness greater productivity while preserving soil health for future generations. He also noted the increasing popularity of floriculture across the state as an additional source of income for rural households.
During the programme, Dr. Saha distributed Soil Health Cards, fruit saplings and agricultural equipment among beneficiaries to promote scientific farming practices. He reiterated that responsible agriculture is not merely about increasing production but also about ensuring environmental protection and long-term food security.
The welcome address was delivered by West District Deputy Director of Agriculture Sanjib Debbarma, while Chairman of Bamutia Panchayat Samiti Deepak Kumar Sinha presided over the event. Among those present were Acting Sabhadhipati of West Tripura Zila Parishad Biswajit Shil, MLA Nayan Sarkar, former Minister Prakash Das, former MLA Krishnadhan Das and ICAR IMC member Pradip Baran Roy.
The inauguration of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan marks another significant step in Tripura's efforts to promote sustainable agriculture, improve farmers' livelihoods and build an environmentally resilient rural economy in line with the national vision for agricultural development. FD SB