Overwhelming response from people reflects success of Govt’s unique initiatives: Agriculture Minister

Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath has stated that the overwhelming response from the people of the state clearly reflects the success of the government’s unique development initiatives. Criticizing the opposition for their remarks against the government’s programmes, the minister said such criticism only highlights their narrow political mindset.

Nath on third day of Budget session of Tripura Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, who has initiated the welcome address on the Governor’s opening address at the Assembly  and responding to allegations made by the opposition regarding various government initiatives, said the state government has undertaken several welfare-oriented schemes for the benefit of farmers and the overall development of agriculture. According to him, these initiatives are helping improve the economic condition of farmers and strengthening the rural economy.

The minister pointed out that the government has been working consistently to increase agricultural productivity and promote diversification in farming. Special emphasis has been given to crops such as pineapple, jackfruit, dragon fruit, and other high-value agricultural products, which are gaining popularity in national and international markets. He also mentioned that the government is encouraging modern farming techniques and providing necessary support to farmers.

Nath further said that the state government has been taking steps to ensure fair prices for agricultural produce and to expand market opportunities for farmers. Several programmes have been implemented to improve agricultural infrastructure, irrigation facilities, and farmer training.

Highlighting the progress in the agricultural sector, the minister said that the state has also introduced new initiatives to strengthen the rural economy and create better income opportunities for farmers. He added that the government remains committed to the welfare of farmers and the overall development of Tripura’s agricultural sector.

Taking a dig at the opposition, Nath said that while they continue to criticize the government, the people of the state are witnessing the positive outcomes of these initiatives. He asserted that the success of the programmes is evident from the growing participation and support from farmers and the general public across the state.  Nath also strongly opposed the 147 amendments over the speech of the Governor and appealed to all to contribute their best for ‘Viksit Tripura’.

While participating in the motion on the thanks giving to the Governor’s speech,  opposition leader Jitendra Chaudhury said that the real picture of the state is not reflected in the Governor’s speech.

He claimed that the Tripura budget was “directionless”, and said rising figures don’t make it pro-people.

 He said that the state budget of 2026-27, presented by the Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy on Monday , is directionless and lacking concrete measures to address the needs of ordinary citizens.

Chaudhury said that although the budget has been presented, he has only heard the proposals and has not yet examined the detailed figures. He noted that this is the third budget presented by Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy and argued that increasing budgetary figures alone cannot determine whether a budget is pro-people or inclusive.

He said that a proper plan is needed based on the socio-economic conditions of the state’s population and a clear roadmap showing how positive outcomes will be achieved. He added that the previous two budgets had similar shortcomings and described the current one as hollow.

Highlighting the condition of the education sector, Chaudhury said the government should have prioritised primary, pre-primary and Madhyamik education. According to him, nearly 400 primary schools in the state are currently functioning with only one teacher each.

The opposition leader also criticized the proposals related to agriculture, stating that despite claims of new initiatives, the budget does not present a comprehensive plan to support the majority of poor and middle-class farmers.

Speaking on the motion Congress MLA Birajit Sinha described the budget as completely directionless and claimed that the governor's speech does not reflect the real picture of Tripura.

Both opposition leaders asserted that without detailed and actionable plans addressing education, agriculture, employment and overall economic growth, the budget will not effectively serve the real needs of the people of Tripura.

Opposition CPI(M) MLA Nirmal Biswas and BJP MLA Taffajal Hossain also participated in the motion on the third day of discussion.