Tripura is taking a significant step towards modernizing its agricultural sector by bringing 21 agricultural markets under the Electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) platform. This initiative is aimed at providing farmers with greater access to buyers across the country and improving their income opportunities.
The announcement was made by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath during the inauguration of a new market at Kulai and a Village Knowledge Centre at Noagaon in Dhalai district. Minister Nath emphasized that the e-NAM platform, supported by the Central government, will enable farmers to directly sell their produce online by uploading images, specifying quantities, and connecting with a wider pool of buyers.
Tripura currently has 554 agricultural markets and 84 wholesale markets, with 21 of them being notified as Agri-Produce Markets. Minister Nath highlighted the government’s significant investment in agricultural infrastructure, noting that while only Rs 20.20 crore was spent on market development in the seven years before 2018, the current government has invested Rs 303 crore in the past seven years.
The digital transition will be carried out in two phases, with the first phase covering seven markets including Panisagar, Pabiachara, Kulai Bazar, Teliamura, Mohanpur, Sonamura, and Santirbazar. The Centre has allocated Rs 2.10 crore for this phase. The second phase will include 12 more markets such as Dasda, Bachaibari, Kalyanpur, Champaknagar, Bishalgarh, Jampuijala, Melaghar, Barpathari, Natun Bazar, Ganda Twisa, and Chawmanu.
Each upgraded market facility will be equipped with administrative offices, auction platforms, laboratories, grading and sorting systems, drinking water provisions, warehouses, and weighing machines. Minister Nath reiterated that the main goal of this initiative is to double farmers’ income and ensure they receive fair prices for their produce. He emphasized that agriculture is the backbone of Tripura’s economy and enhancing market access is crucial for sustainable development.
