Agartala, Nov 27 (NationPress) The Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department of the Tripura government has initiated a comprehensive set of measures aimed at increasing orange cultivation in new areas and enhancing production in the hilly regions, while also promoting floriculture throughout the state, as stated by a minister on Thursday.

The Agriculture, Horticulture, and Soil Conservation Minister Ratan Lal Nath officially opened the state-level orange festival 2025 at the Badharghat Progeny Orchard on the outskirts of Agartala, emphasizing that agriculture is the backbone of both the state and the nation.

Following recommendations from an expert team, the Horticulture and Soil Conservation Department has made strides to expand orange farming and boost production in the hilly terrains of Baramura in West Tripura, Khowai, and Gomati districts, as well as Sakhan Hills in Dhalai district.

Nath noted: "Approximately 46 percent of the GDP comes from farmers, while the remainder is derived from tourism, the service industry, and others. There was a time when agriculture was neglected, but it is now being revitalized."

A farmer from Jirania sells locally grown Malta at Rs 100 each.

Orange farming also takes place in Jirania, Jampui Hills adjacent to Mizoram, Sakhang, and Killa.

Nath mentioned that since the BJP government came into power, it has been supporting farmers in every possible way.

"We aspire for employment in every household. Previously, there were no initiatives for onion cultivation. However, our agricultural scientists have demonstrated that Tripura can successfully grow onions. We have also started cultivating Apical Rooted Cutting potatoes, which are in high demand among farmers," he added.

This year's orange festival commenced in Badharghat, near Agartala.

The festival was previously held twice in Killa in Gomati district.

"We have developed a flower garden, which was once a forest area. Since our government took office, we have begun cultivating flowers year-round. Over 100 orange farmers are participating in this initiative. Our primary goal is to assist farmers," the Minister stated.

Currently, the land designated for orange cultivation in the state spans 3,846 hectares, yielding 16,538 MT annually, with an average yield of 4,300 kg per hectare.

He revealed that from 2018-19 to 2025–26, an additional 353 hectares have been allocated for orange farming through various initiatives.

Of this, 80 hectares were added in the current year.

From 2018-19 to 2025-26, 228 hectares of existing orchards have undergone revival, costing Rs 2,000 per hectare.

Out of this, 31 hectares of old orchards have been revitalized this year.