Farmers are the backbone of food security, says Agriculture Minister
Aug 04, 2026
Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Tuesday said farmers are the foundation of the country's food security and stressed the need to support them through scientific farming practices, quality seeds and modern agricultural technology.
Addressing the Aman paddy transplantation programme organised by the Mohanpur Agriculture Sub-Divisional Office at Gajaria Gram Panchayat under Mohanpur RD Block, the Minister said improved seed varieties and scientific cultivation methods can significantly enhance crop yields and farmers' income.
"Farmers are the backbone of our food security. It is our collective responsibility to respect their hard work and extend all possible support," Nath said.
Highlighting the close relationship between agriculture, nature and rural life, the Minister said protecting both agriculture and the environment is essential for ensuring a sustainable future. He added that the Centre and the State Government are implementing several welfare initiatives aimed at increasing farm productivity, improving farmers' income and promoting modern agricultural practices.
Referring to the Mission for Integrated Crop Management Programme (MICMP), Nath said farmers are being encouraged to adopt the System of Rice Intensification (SIR) method of paddy cultivation. Under the scheme, the State Government provides financial assistance of Rs 1,244 per kani to farmers adopting the SIR method.
The Minister informed that nearly 3,500 farmers are currently cultivating paddy using the SIR method over about 4,200 kani of land in the Mohanpur agricultural subdivision, contributing significantly to higher agricultural productivity.
He urged farmers to complete their agricultural registration and follow the advice of agricultural scientists and experts to adopt scientific cultivation methods. He also advised farmers not to leave agricultural land fallow and to cultivate crops best suited to their land to maximise productivity and income.
Among others present at the programme were Mohanpur Panchayat Samiti Chairman Rakesh Deb, Vice-Chairman Sanjeev Kumar Das, West Tripura Zilla Parishad member Jaylal Das, Joint Director of the Agriculture Department Hirendra Debbarma, Deputy Director Sanjeev Debbarma, Mohanpur Agriculture Superintendent Sumitra De and social worker Kartik Acharya.
