By Firstdespatch Desk Feb 17, 2025
Agartala, Feb 17 (FD) Tripura’s first FPO-2025 Fair was inaugurated with great enthusiasm at Purbasha Ground this evening, highlighting the government’s commitment to farmers' welfare and economic growth. Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratanlal Nath officially opened the three-day fair, emphasizing the crucial role of farmers in shaping a self-reliant Tripura.
During his address, Minister Nath reiterated that the state government is following the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has prioritized the welfare of farmers, youth, women, and underprivileged communities. He stressed that with collective efforts, Tripura could achieve sustainable agricultural growth and economic prosperity. The Minister urged all stakeholders to support farmers in their journey toward self-reliance.
Significance of FPOs in Agricultural Development
A Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) is a collective initiative where small and marginal farmers join forces to enhance productivity, streamline market access, and ensure fair pricing for their produce. Recognizing the significance of FPOs, the central government launched a dedicated scheme in 2020 to support their establishment and growth. This initiative aims to empower farmers by providing them with financial and infrastructural support.
Tripura currently has 58 operational FPOs across 58 blocks, with over 10,434 farmers actively involved in these organizations. Minister Nath highlighted that the average monthly income of farmers, which was ₹6,580 under the previous administration, has now increased to ₹13,590 due to various government initiatives. He credited this progress to schemes such as the Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, MSP-based paddy procurement, subsidized seeds and fertilizers, agricultural machinery distribution, crop insurance, and Krishak Bandhu Kendras (Farmer Support Centers).
Government’s Vision for Farmers’ Empowerment
The Agriculture Minister also referred to the recent Union Budget, which allocated substantial funds for agricultural development. He urged everyone to contribute to making Tripura a self-reliant and prosperous state through collective efforts. The Minister extended his best wishes for the success of the three-day FPO Fair, which aims to educate and empower farmers.
At the inaugural event, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Deepak Majumder praised the government’s initiatives, stating that ongoing state and central schemes are helping farmers achieve financial stability and self-sufficiency.
MP Rajib Bhattacharjee emphasized that both the central and state governments are actively working to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure farmers’ economic independence. He highlighted that the Union Budget includes several new initiatives aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector.
The MP also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav, held recently in New Delhi, where 57 participants from Tripura showcased their locally produced goods. He expressed optimism that with continuous efforts, Tripura would become a self-sufficient agricultural hub.
Key Dignitaries in Attendance
The event also featured speeches from key officials, including Apurba Roy, Secretary of the Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department, event president Alok Bhattacharjee, a municipal corporator, and Phanibhushan Jamatia, Director of the Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Department, who delivered the welcome address.
Other notable attendees included Deepak Kumar Das, Director of the Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department, Maniklal Debbarma, Director of the Agricultural Marketing Department, and several senior officials from the agriculture sector. FD SB