Northeast Desk, 7th July: Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Sunday, July 7 unveiled initiatives to enhance mango cultivation in the Gandatwisa sub-division of Dhalai District, including the installation of solar-powered mini cold storage units and solar water pumps.
During the Mango Festival inauguration at Narikel Kunja in Gandatwisa, Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced plans to support local mango farmers by establishing solar-powered mini cold storage facilities and installing solar water pumps to address irrigation challenges. He praised the dedication of progressive farmers for their role in advancing the region’s agriculture.
“Previously, Tripura was relatively obscure, but now our agricultural products are gaining international acclaim. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has acknowledged our traditional attire, Risha, and we are seeing high demand for ginger and turmeric,” Nath remarked, highlighting Tripura’s growing agricultural prominence and the government’s commitment to ensuring fair prices for farmers’ produce.
The solar-powered mini cold storage facility aims to help mango farmers preserve their produce, allowing for gradual sales and reducing spoilage. Additionally, addressing the acute water shortage in the district, the government plans to install a solar water pump on 1.98 acres of land to support irrigation needs.
“We aim for ‘Ek Tripura, Ek Parivaar, and Ek Vhabisyat’ (One Tripura, One Family, One Future), focusing on non-partisan development. With regions like South Tripura, Sepahijala, and Gomati achieving self-sufficiency in food grains, Dhalai too is poised to enhance its agricultural output,” Nath affirmed, emphasizing the government’s holistic approach to agricultural development and economic empowerment.
Currently, around 144 farmers are engaged in mango cultivation in Tripura, with some earning up to Rs 15 lakh annually. These new initiatives are expected to significantly boost the economic impact on local farming communities, fostering growth and sustainability in the agricultural sector.