Government committed to increasing farmers' incomes: CM
AGARTALA: Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha stressed the government's commitment to increasing farmers' incomes as a crucial aspect of rural and overall development of the state. He was speaking at the rpogramme to mark direct payment of the 23rd installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi to the accounts of farmers at the Tripura State Agriculture Research Center in Arundhatinagar here Saturday.
He articulated the interconnectedness of farmers' prosperity, village advancement and broader societal progress stating that only through the development of the state can national progress be achieved.
Addressing the issue of farmer indebtedness, Chief Minister highlighted the introduction of the PM Kisan scheme by Prime Minister, aimed at alleviating financial burdens on farmers, whom he referred to as the backbone of society. He also noted that the state government has initiated various projects since 2018 aimed at socio-economic upliftment and doubling farmers' income.
He shared that over Rs 529 crore has been transferred directly to farmers' accounts through programs such as direct paddy purchases and the effective execution of central initiatives, which have resulted in increased agricultural production and farmer income. Dr Saha also mentioned the issuance of more than 253,000 soil health cards to enhance agricultural land fertility and the distribution of improved agricultural inputs with subsidies totaling Rs 233.63 crore.
In the financial year under review, over 216,000 farmers are expected to benefit from the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, receiving more than Rs 43 crore. Chief Minister opined that development efforts are gaining momentum and a safe and attractive environment is essential for achieving a developed state and ultimately a developed nation.