Tripura Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath inaugurates Mango festival

Dhalai (Tripura) [India], July 8 (ANI): Tripura’s Agriculture Minister, Ratan Lal Nath, inaugurated the Mango Festival here on Sunday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the mango festival aimed at promoting the efforts of the farmers, the minister highlighted the diversity of mango varieties grown in the area.

Tripura Agriculture Minister also said that the progressive farmers of the Ganda Twuisa subdivision, formerly known as Gandacherra under the Dhalai district of Tripura, created a mini world of mangoes in the state.

Speaking to ANI on the sidelines of the event, he said, “Almost all the famous varieties of mangoes from countries like Thailand, Japan, Bangladesh, and other parts of the world are cultivated here. These mango orchards are privately owned, and the progressive farmers of the state have taken the initiative to develop this mini world of mangoes.”

“We have decided to install a solar-powered mini cold storage in the area. Additionally, we also have plans to set up a solar-powered water pump to ensure an uninterrupted water supply for the farmers,” Nath told ANI.

Nath also disclosed that the farmers of the area grow 22 varieties of mangoes, including Amrapali, Banana, King of Chakapat, Bari, and Haribhanga.

“There are around 144 farmers reliant on mango farming here, with 15 considered experts. Each farmer reportedly earns between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 15 lakh per annum,” he said.

Tapan Jyoti Chakma, a local farmer, shared his success in mango farming, now in its fifth year.

“I cultivate 13 varieties of mangoes in my orchard. The production is impressive and profitable, but we need advanced equipment that is currently unavailable in the state. Government support in this area would significantly boost our production,” Chakma told ANI.

Another farmer, Priyo Chakma, emphasised the need for proper marketing support.

Growing six varieties of mangoes, he expressed concerns about the lack of buyers.

“We need logistical support from the government. Just as outside traders of woollen clothes are allowed to do business in a designated area in Agartala during the winters, we should also have the opportunity to showcase our products in a commercial space,” he pointed out.

Tripura Agriculture also virtually inaugurated the Farmers Knowledge Centre at Raisyabari in the same district.

The event was attended by ADC Executive Member Rajesh Tripura, ex-MP Rebati Tripura, MLA Nandita Reang Debbarma, and other senior officials.