Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on June 20 reaffirmed that enhancing farmers’ income continues to be a major priority of the state government, highlighting various agricultural programmes and financial assistance schemes aimed at strengthening the rural economy.
Speaking at a programme organised at the Tripura State Agriculture Research Centre in Arundhatinagar, Agartala, to mark the release of the 23rd instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan), Saha said the development of villages is essential for the overall progress of the state and the country.
Stating that farmers are the backbone of society and play a crucial role in ensuring food security, the Chief Minister said the PM-Kisan scheme was introduced to help cultivators avoid debt while pursuing agricultural activities.
He said the government has launched several initiatives since 2018 to improve the socio-economic condition of farmers and work towards increasing their income. According to him, direct procurement of paddy has resulted in more than Rs 529 crore being credited to farmers’ bank accounts.
Saha noted that agricultural output and earnings have improved due to the implementation of schemes such as PM-Kisan, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Krishi Vikas Yojana. He added that more than 2.53 lakh soil health cards have been distributed in the state, while subsidies worth over Rs 233.63 crore have been provided to farmers through improved agricultural inputs.
Providing details of PM-Kisan assistance, the Chief Minister said over 1.51 lakh farmers received Rs 30.37 crore under the scheme in 2018-19. During the current financial year, more than 2.16 lakh farmers are expected to benefit, with over Rs 43.32 crore set to be transferred to their accounts.
Saha also linked Tripura’s development to improved law and order, stating that the peaceful atmosphere in the state has enabled the rapid implementation of development projects. He said a developed Tripura would contribute significantly towards the vision of a developed India.
Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath was also present at the event.
