Agartala, Sept 13, 2025: The ICFRE-Livelihood Extension Centre (LEC), a unit under ICFRE-RFRI Jorhat, Assam, successfully organized a day-long Tree Growers’ Mela at the Tripura State Forest Academy playground, Gandhigram yesterday. The event saw participation from over 300 attendees, including farmers, tree growers, NGO and SHG members, students, government officials, and civil society representatives.
The mela was inaugurated by Jitendra Majumder, MLA, who highlighted environmental challenges facing Tripura. He urged participants to not only plant trees but also nurture existing ones for a sustainable future.
The inaugural session was graced by Dr. Abhinav Kant, Director, BCDI Agartala; Smt. Paushali Roy, IFS, Director, TSFA; Sri Prasada Rao V., IFS, Director (Livelihood), Tripura JICA; and Sri R. K. Kalita, Head, ICFRE-LEC.
A key highlight of the mela was the launch of Biochar Super Compost, a product developed through extensive research at ICFRE-LEC. Principal Investigator Ajoy Debbarma introduced the innovation, while four new extension pamphlets were also released.
An exhibition showcasing local products was inaugurated by the MLA, who encouraged artisans and entrepreneurs to improve branding and explore markets beyond Tripura to boost profits.
The mela also featured a Farmers’-Scientist interaction, where Niren Das, Chief Technical Officer, conducted a live demonstration on vermicomposting. Training sessions on livelihood opportunities in Tripura were conducted by R. K. Kalita and Ajoy Debbarma.
Concluding the event, Ajoy Debbarma delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging the collective efforts that made the mela a success.
