Tripura expands rural markets; Minister says farmers are India’s strength

Agartala, July 31 (IANS) Emphasising the crucial role of agriculture in India’s growth, Tripura Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Thursday said no development would be possible if farmers stopped producing food and agricultural commodities, asserting that they remain the backbone of the nation’s economy.

He made the remarks while laying the foundation stone of a modern rural agricultural market at Palatana in Gomati district, to be built for Rs 4.6 crore under the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department. Nath also inaugurated a two-storey agricultural market constructed for Rs 2.2 crore at Tulamura Bazar and another two-storey building of the Gorji Krishi Bazar, built for Rs 3.12 crore.

Addressing the gathering, Nath said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently prioritised farmers’ welfare, recognising their indispensable contribution to food security and economic progress. “If farmers stop producing agricultural products, development will not be possible, and everything will come to a standstill. That is why the Prime Minister has repeatedly stressed the need to work for their welfare and empowerment,” he said.

He observed that although several welfare schemes have been launched, many people are still unaware of the benefits. “The government is providing numerous facilities, but many are not taking the initiative to obtain information. Subsidised fertilisers and other benefits must reach farmers directly. Why should middlemen enjoy the benefits meant for cultivators?” Nath asked.

The Minister reiterated that all government support and subsidies are intended exclusively for genuine farmers. He said houses are being provided in the name of women as part of social welfare, and rural agricultural markets are being established solely for farmers’ benefit. “A person may possess immense wealth, but if farmers stop cultivating rice, vegetables and other crops, how will society survive? Our farmers toil day and night under the scorching sun to ensure food reaches every household,” he added.

Quoting PM Modi, Nath described farmers as the country’s Annadata (food providers) and said agriculture remains the foundation of India’s overall development. “If agriculture declines, development will halt, and every sector will suffer. Today, because of farmers’ hard work, India is exporting a wide range of agricultural products. Human resources are our greatest strength, and farmers represent the most valuable segment of that resource,” he said.

Highlighting Tripura’s agricultural marketing infrastructure, Nath said the state currently has 554 agricultural markets, including 84 primary wholesale markets. “Of these, 21 are regulated agricultural produce markets, while the remaining 470 function as primary or rural markets serving farmers across the state,” he said.

Between 2018–19 and 2025–26, the government undertook 204 market infrastructure projects involving Rs 461.83 crore. “In comparison, during 2013–17, only 71 projects were taken up with Rs 20.26 crore. This reflects the priority being accorded to strengthening agricultural marketing infrastructure under the present government,” Nath said.

Referring to Gomati district, he said 38 market development projects worth Rs 86.93 crore were undertaken in the last seven-and-a-half years. He added that modern market infrastructure would help farmers secure better prices, reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen the grassroots agricultural economy.

MLAs Abhishek Debroy and Jitendra Majumder, senior officials of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Department and a large number of farmers attended the programme.

–IANS

sc/dan