Agartala: Food grain production in Tripura has risen by 12 per cent this year compared to 2024–25, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Saturday.
The minister made the announcement after inaugurating the State-Level Kisan Mela 2025–26 and presenting the State and District-Level Best Farmers Awards at Pragna Bhavan.
Nath said agriculture continues to be a key sector for the state’s economy. He added that the government is promoting modern and scientific farming practices to boost productivity.
Citing official data, he said Tripura has about 65 lakh 57 thousand kanis of land, of which around 30 lakh 17 thousand kanis are under cultivation. Paddy is grown on nearly 15 lakh kanis of this land.
The minister highlighted that Sepahijala district has emerged as the most self-sufficient in paddy production this year, followed by South and Gomati districts. Khowai district has also achieved self-sufficiency in paddy output.
However, Dhalai, Unakoti, North Tripura, and West Tripura are yet to reach self-sufficiency, Nath said. He added that efforts are underway to improve production in these districts.
Highlighting steps toward sustainable agriculture, Nath said the area under organic cultivation has expanded from around 2,000 hectares seven years ago to 26,500 hectares today.
He also noted that natural farming practices have been extended to 5,550 hectares across the state.
According to Nath, there is growing international demand for some of Tripura’s organic produce, including bird’s eye chilli, ginger, Kalikhasa rice, and turmeric.
The minister said youth participation in agriculture has increased, with many adopting innovative farming practices and reporting positive outcomes.
During the programme, 10 farmers received state-level awards of Rs 50,000 each, while 80 district-level awardees got Rs 25,000 each. Officials said the government will award nearly 300 farmers Rs 10,000 each at the block level.