AGARTALA, August 20, 2025: Tripura Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced a major regional development: the Central Government has authorised Tripura to certify paddy seeds for neighbouring states Manipur and Mizoram, reinforcing the authenticity and quality of seed distribution across Northeast India.
The announcement was made at the unveiling ceremony of a statue of revered agricultural scientist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan at the State Agriculture Research Station in Arundhuti Nagar. The Minister commended Dr. Swaminathan's vision that transformed Indian agriculture, saying: “If agriculture fails, nothing else can be developed”- a principle that inspired India’s self-sufficiency in food grains.
Highlighting ongoing efforts to modernise agriculture through integrated farming, Nath noted India’s robust export basket - ranging from rice and fish to spices and milk - attributes of visionary leadership and hardworking farmers. He also spoke on national edible oil strategy, quoting Prime Minister Modi’s 2030 goal to achieve 72% domestic edible oil production, a key focus amid the country’s reliance on imports.
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Tripura has made significant strides in agricultural research and seed production. It is among the few Northeastern states with an operational seed certification system, backed by institutions like the State Agricultural Research Institute, State Seed Certification Agency, and State Seed Testing Laboratory.
The state currently achieves self-sufficiency in seed production of high-yielding paddy varieties, and now holds certification responsibilities for neighbouring Mizoram and Manipur - an endorsement of its growing prominence in regional agri-development.
Minister Nath encouraged farmers to engage with agricultural research centres to learn modern techniques and enhance yields. He reaffirmed that out of Tripura’s 58 blocks, 31 are now self-sufficient in food grain cultivation, with the Chandipur RD block being the latest to join the list.
