By Firstdespatch Desk Aug 04, 2026
Mohanpur, Aug 4 (FD) Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to strengthening agriculture and improving farmers’ livelihoods while participating in an Aman paddy transplantation programme at Gajaria Gram Panchayat under the Mohanpur RD Block on Tuesday. The programme was organized by the Mohanpur Agriculture Sub-Divisional Office under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
Addressing farmers and officials, the Minister said that quality seeds and modern scientific methods of paddy cultivation can significantly enhance agricultural productivity while increasing farmers’ income. He described farmers as the backbone of the nation’s food security and stressed that every citizen has a responsibility to respect their dedication and support their efforts.
Sharing his experience from the field, Ratan Lal Nath said the fragrance of the soil, mud-covered feet, and the genuine smiles of farmers reflect the true spirit of rural life. He noted that agriculture has remained deeply connected with human civilization since birth and highlighted the inseparable relationship between nature and people. Stressing environmental conservation, he said protecting agriculture and natural resources is essential for ensuring a secure future.
The Minister stated that both the Central Government and the Tripura Government are implementing several welfare schemes aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, promoting sustainable farming, and improving farmers’ economic conditions. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently emphasized extending comprehensive support to the farming community, while the State Government continues introducing initiatives that encourage modern agricultural technologies.
Highlighting the MICMP scheme, Ratan Lal Nath informed that farmers are being encouraged to cultivate paddy using the SIR (System of Intensive Rice) method, which helps improve productivity while reducing cultivation costs. Under the scheme, farmers adopting the SIR method receive ₹1,244 per kani as financial assistance from the State Government.
According to the Minister, nearly 3,500 farmers in the Mohanpur agricultural subdivision are currently cultivating paddy using the SIR method across approximately 4,200 kani of agricultural land. He said this initiative has already made a significant contribution to increasing food grain production in the region.
The Minister also urged farmers to complete their agricultural registration and follow scientific farming practices based on the guidance of agricultural scientists and departmental experts. He advised cultivators not to leave agricultural land fallow and instead grow suitable crops according to soil conditions and seasonal requirements. Modern technology, efficient farm management, and scientific cultivation techniques, he added, would reduce production costs while ensuring higher yields and better earnings for farmers.
The programme was attended by Mohanpur Panchayat Samiti Chairman Rakesh Deb, Vice-Chairman Sanjib Kumar Das, West Tripura Zilla Parishad member Joylal Das, Joint Director of Agriculture Hirendra Debbarma, Deputy Director Sanjib Debbarma, Mohanpur Agriculture Superintendent Sumitra De, social worker Kartik Acharya, local public representatives, agriculture officials, and a large number of farmers. FD SB