Agartala: The Tripura government will set up 60 new agricultural markets across the state at an estimated cost of Rs 158 crore to enhance farmers’ income and strengthen self-reliance in food grain production, Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath said on Monday.
Speaking at the inauguration of a new market stall and a double-storied market complex at Manpather Bazar in South Tripura district, Nath said the government’s focus is on inclusive development and employment generation, irrespective of political considerations.
He also inaugurated infrastructure development works at the primary rural market in Santir Bazar.
The minister later visited the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables at Bir Chandra Manu in South Tripura, noting that Tripura hosts two such centres in the country — the other being at Jumderdhep in Sepahijala district.
He said the centres produce high-quality vegetable seedlings throughout the year using a blend of advanced Israeli and Indian technologies, including soilless cultivation methods.
Highlighting rural employment initiatives, Nath said the newly introduced VB GRAM G Act, 2025 will benefit all sections of society by increasing the number of guaranteed workdays from 100 to 125.
For northeastern states, the Centre will bear 90 per cent of the expenditure, with the remaining 10 per cent to be contributed by the state, unlike the 60:40 funding pattern followed elsewhere.
The minister said that while only Rs 20 crore was spent on setting up agricultural markets during the seven years prior to 2018, the present government has invested Rs 303 crore for the purpose since assuming office.
He added that Rs 158 crore will be spent in the current year alone to establish 60 additional markets, underscoring the government’s emphasis on infrastructure-led rural growth.
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Nath said around 8.10 lakh assets have been created across the state and stressed the need for proper maintenance of market infrastructure and consistent quality of produce to attract buyers from outside the region.
Referring to women’s empowerment, the minister said the number of self-help groups in Tripura has risen sharply from 4,160 before 2018 to 50,054 at present.
He said more than 1.08 lakh women have emerged as ‘Lakhpati Didis’, with South Tripura district recording the highest numbers.
Acknowledging that government jobs cannot be provided to everyone, Nath said the focus remains on creating sustainable livelihood opportunities and promoting economic self-reliance, particularly among women.
