Agartala 16 December, 2024: The Krishi Swarna Samriddhi Week has been launched with the goal of enriching agriculture and empowering farmers to become self-reliant. Speaking at the inauguration of the Rabi Krishi Vigyan Mela at Dibyodaya Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Khowai, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath highlighted that the week aims to educate farmers about advanced agricultural practices. He assured that agricultural scientists are always available to assist farmers in adopting modern farming techniques. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) is implementing various programs to support farmers, helping them increase production through the use of advanced technology and high-yield seeds.
Minister’s Address :
Minister Nath emphasized that KVKs assist farmers not only in agriculture but also in animal husbandry, fish farming, and scientific cultivation. Both central and state governments have introduced several initiatives to increase farmers’ income, such as:
• Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
• Soil health testing.
• Kisan Credit Cards.
• PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi.
In Khowai district alone, 24,216 farmers have received ₹73.48 crore across 18 installments under the PM-Kisan Yojana. Nath also highlighted that Tripura has made significant progress in paddy seed production. He stressed the importance of scientific farming to achieve self-reliance in food production, adding that villages are the strength of the government and that equal development of farmers, women, youth, and the underprivileged is essential for the state’s progress.
Tripura ranks:
• 2nd in betel nut production,
• 4th in cauliflower cultivation,
• 4th in pea production, and
• 2nd in bean production.
Nath urged farmers to adopt modern scientific methods of farming for greater self-reliance.
Aparna Singh Roy (Dutta), Chairperson of Khowai Zilla Parishad, emphasized the state government’s focus on scientific farming. MLA Ranjit Debbarma highlighted the importance of modern farming techniques to boost production. The event was also attended by Pradip Baran Roy, President of the State Farmer Club, District Magistrate Chandni Chandran, and others. Senior scientist Dr. Manoj Singh Sanchan from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra delivered the welcome address.
Exhibition and Distribution :
The event featured six stalls set up by self-help groups, which were visited by Minister Nath and other dignitaries. The minister also distributed various agricultural inputs, including:
• Vegetable seed packets to 10 beneficiaries.
• Beekeeping kits to 4 beneficiaries.
• Five chicks each to 6 beneficiaries.
• A solar dryer to 1 beneficiary.
• Spray machines to 10 beneficiaries.
Publications Launched:
During the event, Minister Nath and other dignitaries unveiled two agricultural publications aimed at promoting awareness and education among farmers.
