Proper irrigation may solve the problem of tribal agriculture in Tripura

 Proper irrigation may solve the problem of tribal agriculture in Tripura

The state Tripura is arraign state and the problem like lack of settled agricultural land, irrigation facilities, remoteness, high cost of labour and the absence of other viable alternatives, the tribal farmers are still doing shifting cultivation for their livelihood, said a study report sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India.

“Main issue is non availability of proper irrigation facility in the tribal areas of the state Tripura and the tribal farmers are unable to do the agricultural activities in the nick of dry season. The farmers of Killa, Cittamara, Sonai, Trishna ADC village and others tribal dominated areas in the Gomati and South Tripura district are facing problem. The tribal farmers are basically using their traditional technology. As a result, the output-input ratio of agriculture production has become very low, for which the tribal farmers are still living a sub-standard life”, said a section of scholars doing their research on agriculture.

Sudip Majumder , Chairman of Gram Vikash Farmers Club said, “Government should encourage seasonal crops, horticultural crops and piggery farming in lieu of rubber plantation in the state Tripura. Transport costs of the agricultural produce may be subsidized by government. Private parties encouragement for more cold storage and fruit processing unit in tribal areas, market sheds for farmers, participatory soil and water conservation, rehabilitation approach with new approaches by involving them in rubber plantation, frontline demonstration for the farmers and awareness programme are important for capacity building”.

There is now going preparation for TTAADC District Council Election in the tribal area of the state and the tribal farmers are coming forward with their vital issues. The government should encourage the agriculture among the tribal and the agriculture may help to remove the problem of unemployment in tribal area, said a section of government official posted in TTAADC area.