By Tripura24 News Desk | Agartala Thursday, January 22, 2026
AGARTALA: In a move to fortify the rural economy and ensure financial security for the state’s farming community, the Tripura State Cabinet has taken several landmark decisions regarding paddy procurement. Following a high-level cabinet meeting today, Food & Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury and Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath addressed a joint press conference at the State Secretariat (Mahakaran) to outline the government’s roadmap for the upcoming season.
Cabinet Decisions on Paddy Procurement
Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath informed the media that the cabinet has officially approved the procurement of paddy at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for the current Rabi season.
- Increased MSP: To battle rising production costs, the government has set a competitive MSP, ensuring that farmers receive direct benefit transfers (DBT) into their bank accounts.
- Procurement Targets: The government aims to procure thousands of metric tonnes of paddy through designated Paddy Procurement Centres (PPCs) across all eight districts.
- Coordination: The Food and Agriculture departments have been instructed to work in tandem to ensure that no farmer is forced into distress selling.
Minister Nath emphasized that under the current leadership, Tripura has seen a record increase in paddy procurement compared to the pre-2018 era, with over 1.17 lakh farmers benefiting so far.
Zero Tolerance for Misconduct: The Gautam Sarkar Issue
During the briefing, Food & Consumer Affairs Minister Sushanta Chowdhury addressed the brewing controversy surrounding the President of the West Tripura District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Gautam Sarkar.
The Minister took a stern note of the allegations leveled by the Tripura Bar Association, which has recently boycotted the court of Gautam Sarkar, citing “unbecoming conduct” and “habitual intoxication” during judicial hours.
“The dignity of the judicial system and the Consumer Court is non-negotiable,” Minister Chowdhury stated. “We have received formal complaints regarding the conduct of Gautam Sarkar. The government is treating this issue with utmost seriousness. We are initiating necessary administrative steps and have sought a detailed report. Strict action will be taken to ensure that the sanctity of the court and the trust of the consumers are not compromised.”
DoNER Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia to Visit Tripura
In another significant announcement, Minister Sushanta Chowdhury informed that the Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, is scheduled to visit Tripura starting January 23, 2026.
Key Highlights of the Visit:
- Infrastructure Boost: The DoNER Minister will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹570 crore.
- Project Reviews: He is expected to visit the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and review the progress of tourism and connectivity projects funded by the DoNER ministry.
- Cultural Connect: The Minister will also offer prayers at the Tripurasundari Temple (Matabari) and visit the Unakoti heritage site.
Minister Chowdhury noted that the visit of the DoNER Minister underscores the Central Government’s “Act East” focus and will provide a major fillip to the ongoing “Viksit Tripura” initiatives.
