Agartala, Sep 25 (NationPress) Over Rs 303 crore has been invested over the past seven years to enhance agricultural markets in Tripura, aimed at improving farmers’ economic well-being, stated Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Wednesday.

While unveiling the newly built market structure at Barpathari Agri Produce Market in southern Tripura, the Minister highlighted the initiatives taken by both the state and Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, designed to support farmers and afford them the respect they deserve.

He noted that farmers are now receiving the true value for their products and are treated with the respect they merit. Currently, Tripura boasts 554 agricultural markets, including 84 wholesale and 21 agri produce markets, according to Nath.

“During the previous seven years under the Left Front government, only Rs 20.26 crore was allocated, whereas since the BJP government assumed power in 2018, we have committed Rs 303 crore to this sector. No one can claim they lack access to markets. This embodies the essence of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. The 21 Agri Produce Markets will soon be integrated with the E-NAM platform, enabling farmers to store their products and sell them online at fair prices. Our goal is to advance further,” he asserted.

The Minister disclosed that 7 of these markets are already connected to the E-platform, located in Panisagar, Pabiachara, Kulai, Teiamura, Mohanpur, Sonamura, and Santirbazar.

Development initiatives are in progress to establish additional Agri Produce Markets in Dasda, Barpathari, Kalaynapur, Bachaibari, Champaknagar, Bishalgarh, Jampuijala, Melaghar, Natun Bazar, Ganda Twisa, Chamanu, and Garjee. He emphasized that farmers are now being honored as they should have been all along.

“Without farmers, can we sustain food security?” Nath questioned, adding that farmers are akin to gods, hence the importance given to them.

The minister remarked that previously, India was dependent on imports to meet its food needs, but now the nation stands second in paddy production. “We aspire to export paddy internationally, a feat made achievable by our farmers. Farmers and agriculture are the backbone of both the state and the country,” he affirmed.

In the past, many lacked proper housing, but under PM Modi's guidance, the initiative now is to ensure that everyone has access to a home. “This signifies Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, along with reliable drinking water access,” he added.

Notable attendees at the event included Cooperation Minister Sukla Charan Noatia, MLA Rajnagar Swapna Majumder, South Tripura District Zilla Sabhadhipati Dipak Datta, among others.