May 29, 2025Agartala, TRIPURATIMES Desk32
Tripura is embracing a new era in agriculture by teaming up with global leaders in agri-tech, including Israel and the Netherlands, to boost productivity and modernise farming practices across the state.
According to Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath, the state government is establishing four state-of-the-art Centres of Excellence in collaboration with these technologically advanced nations. These centres will focus on various crop categories and introduce cutting-edge cultivation methods to local farmers.
“We are actively working with countries that have set benchmarks in agricultural innovation. These partnerships will facilitate knowledge transfer and help us adopt more efficient, modern farming systems,” said Nath during a media briefing.
Tripura has already initiated experimental hydroponic farming—an advanced method of soil-less agriculture pioneered by Israel. The Agriculture Research Station at Nagicherra, near Agartala, is spearheading the trial. Another project using Israeli technology is underway at Bir Chandra Manu, which is being developed into a Centre of Excellence for vegetable cultivation.
These centres are designed not just for research, but also to train local agricultural scientists who will later assist farmers in adopting these innovations.
On the Indo-Dutch front, a specialised centre focusing on citrus fruit cultivation is in the pipeline. Once operational, it will support farmers with high-yield, climate-resilient techniques specific to the region.
Altogether, four such centres are being set up across Tripura, each dedicated to different agricultural sectors and tailored to improve crop quality, output, and sustainability.
Addressing the need for optimal land usage, the minister urged landowners not to leave any cultivable land barren. Speaking at the launch of an oil palm plantation drive in Charilam Brajapur, he said, “Our land is limited. Every patch should be used productively to ensure food security and economic growth.”
Providing data on land usage, Nath said Tripura comprises 65.35 lakh Kanis of land, covering over 10,491 square kilometres. Of this, approximately 30.18 lakh Kanis are utilised for agriculture, with paddy cultivation alone occupying around 15 lakh Kanis.
Nath also asserted that for the first time in the state’s history, Rs 103 crore in flood compensation had been directly credited to the accounts of farmers affected by last year’s severe flooding.