By Tripura24.in Reporter Dated 7th March 2026
Agartala: To celebrate the resilience of the farming community and introduce modern technological interventions, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare organized the State-Level ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) Kisan Mela 2025-26 today at Pragna Bhavan, Agartala. The event serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange between agricultural scientists, policymakers, and grassroots farmers.
The fair was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ble Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Ratan Lal Nath, who emphasized the government’s target of doubling farmers’ income through scientific diversification.
“Unnat Krishi, Viksit Tripura”
Addressing a large gathering of farmers from all eight districts, Minister Ratan Lal Nath highlighted the transformation of Tripura’s primary sector. He noted that the state is shifting from traditional subsistence farming to high-value commercial agriculture.
”Our farmers are no longer just producers; they are becoming entrepreneurs. Through the ATMA initiative, we are ensuring that the gap between the laboratory and the farm is bridged. From Queen Pineapples to organic ginger, Tripura’s produce is now finding global markets,” the Minister stated.
Focus on Technology and Innovation
The Mela featured numerous stalls and live demonstrations focused on:
- Modern Machinery: Display of power tillers, drones for pesticide spraying, and micro-irrigation systems.
- Organic Farming: Promoting the use of bio-fertilizers and sustainable soil health management.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Interactive sessions on how farmers can seamlessly access benefits under the PM-KISAN and other state-sponsored schemes.
Dignitaries and Key Speakers
The inaugural ceremony was marked by the presence of senior administrative and local leaders:
- Shri Ratan Lal Nath, Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
- Dr. P.V. Jamatia, Director, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
- Shri Biswajit Shil, Sabhadhipati of the West Tripura Zilla Parishad.
- Representatives from ICAR and KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra).
Dr. P.V. Jamatia remarked that the ATMA Kisan Mela is not just an exhibition but a feedback mechanism where the department listens to the challenges faced by farmers on the ground.
Honoring Progressive Farmers
As part of the event, several “Progressive Farmers” were felicitated by the Minister for their exceptional contribution to innovative crop cultivation and for setting an example in their respective blocks. The fair will continue to host technical sessions where experts will provide hands-on training on climate-resilient agriculture.
[Image: Minister Ratan Lal Nath and Director PV Jamatia inspecting the agricultural stalls at Pragna Bhavan]
