Hon’ble Governor of Tripura inaugurated Tripura Krishi Unnati Mela- 2019.
Press Release
Three days Tripura Krishi Unnati Mela (TKUM-2019) under the theme “Harnessing Science for Farmers Prosperity” was inaugurated at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre, Lembucherra, Tripura by His Excellency the hon’ble Governor of Tripura, Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki as Chief Guest of the function. There were more than 1000 participants in the inaugural programme including farmers, scientists, professor, officials from line departments, students, self-help groups, NGOs and private enterprises. An exhibition with 25 stalls has been staged by organizations from Central, State, SHGs, NGOs and private organizations. Hon’ble Governor inaugurated the exhibition, visited the stalls and interacted with the exhibitors on the occasion. In His Chief Guest remark, Prof. Solanki appreciated the initiative of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre and emphasized on the urgency of Science-led agriculture for bringing prosperity in Farmers life. He also released the Souvenir of the Mela and technical bulletins on various aspects of hill agriculture during the inaugural function. Further His Excellency awarded the innovative farmers from different districts of the State. Shri. Sunil Kumar, General Manager, NABARD, Agartala was present as Guest of Honour in the function. He promised to extend all possible support for the benefit of Tripura Farmers. In His welcome address, Dr. Basant Kandpal, Joint Director of ICAR, Tripura Centre and Convenor of TKUM- 2019 detailed about the service and achievements of the Centre for the benefit of farmers and the people of the state. Dr. N. Prakash, Director of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Meghalaya and Chairman of TKUM-2019 informed the gathering about the strategies developed by the institute for the doubling of farmers’ income and need to adopt it by line departments. He informed that the institute is so far developed 32 location-specific integrated farming system models and 58 crop varieties for enhancing productivity, production and income of farmers. A ‘Fish Fest’ was organized and the participation of farmers was overwhelming; there were 60 entries in the category of ethnic food and products, 15 entries in cultured fish show and 10 entries in ornamental fish show. There are 6 technical sessions including agri-business opportunities, climate resilient agriculture, horticulture for doubling farmers income, integrated farming system, maize and oil seed production to address the queries of farmers through farmers-scientists interactions and disseminate improved technologies. Experts from ICAR, Meghalaya, Manipur, Hyderabad and other States participated in this programme. There was a cultural programme to showcase the traditional heritage of Tripura. The inaugural function was concluded with the Vote of Thanks by Dr. Anup Das, Principal Scientist and Organizing Secretary of TKUM-2019. The mela will continue for next three days and about 3000 farmers from all districts of Tripura are expected to attend this programme.
