Agartala, Nov 18: With its fertile lands and favorable climate, Tripura aims to harness its potential in horticulture and the state government has been working in this direction.
Minister for Agriculture Ratanlal Nath, during a review meeting at the State Horticultural Research Station in Nagicherra, outlined the state government’s ambitious plans to achieve self-sufficiency in Horticulture while boosting farmers’ incomes.
Highlighting the vital role of agriculture in Tripura’s economy, Nath noted that the sector contributes significantly to the state’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). 
"The government is prioritizing agriculture and horticulture to transform the livelihoods of our farmers," he stated.
The minister paid homage to the late Agronomist Baharul Islam Majumder during his visit to the horticulture complex, reflecting on his contributions to the field.
Nath revealed that the state government has allocated Rs. 130 crore for horticulture in one year's budget reflecting its commitment to fostering growth and innovation.
A key focus of the review meeting was the adoption of ARC techniques to enhance potato production. Nath emphasized that modernizing traditional farming practices could maximize both yield and profitability for farmers.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by farmers, Nath announced additional compensation for those whose agricultural lands were affected by sand deposition due to flooding. Under the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme, farmers will receive a minimum of Rs. 2,200 and a maximum of Rs. 18,000, depending on the extent of land damage.
The review meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Agriculture Secretary Apurba Roy, Director Phanibhusan Jamatia, district-level deputy directors, and leading agricultural scientists. The agenda focused on crafting research-driven strategies to enhance the productivity of horticultural crops while addressing operational inefficiencies.
Nath expressed hope, stating, "If our plans are implemented effectively, Tripura will experience a horticultural transformation towards economic prosperity."