Agartala | Dec 6,2025 | Sky Link Times |
Tripura has taken a major step towards agricultural self-reliance with the introduction of Rabi onion as a cash crop, a move aimed at boosting farmers’ income, strengthening the rural economy, and reducing the state’s dependence on onion imports.
The initiative was formally launched by Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath during a project-cum-workshop on Rabi onion held at the College of Agriculture, Agartala.
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Government Targets Self-Sufficiency in Key Crops
Addressing the gathering, Minister Nath said that the state government’s primary objective is to achieve self-sufficiency in major food crops. He emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of Tripura’s economy and that the introduction of Rabi onion will open up new income opportunities for farmers.
“The government has already made significant progress in potato production using modern techniques. Now, the focus is on vegetables and onions to make Tripura more self-reliant,” the Minister said.
Potato, tomato and onion, he added, are the three most essential food items in daily consumption, and increasing their local availability is crucial for food security.
Joint Project with NABARD and College of Agriculture
The workshop was conducted under a project titled “Rabi Onion: A Promising Cash Crop for Economic Upliftment and Livelihood Improvement of Rural Tripura.” The project is being implemented jointly by the College of Agriculture, Tripura, and NABARD.
Officials revealed that 12 varieties of Rabi onion have already been successfully tested in experimental plots. With encouraging results, the government now plans to expand cultivation to larger areas across the state.
The project will help identify the best-performing onion varieties and determine the most suitable cultivation practices for Tripura’s climatic conditions.
Training and Market Benefits for Farmers
Under the initiative, farmers will receive technical guidance on onion cultivation across different seasons. Experts believe that the adoption of scientific farming methods can significantly improve onion productivity.
If more farmers take up Rabi onion farming, onion availability in local markets is expected to increase substantially. This would not only reduce price fluctuations and shortages during peak demand but also lower the state’s reliance on onions from outside markets.
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Key Officials and Experts Attend the Event
The event witnessed the presence of several senior officials and experts, including:
Dr. Fani Bhushan Jamatia, Director of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Deepak Das, Director of Horticulture and Soil Conservation
Anil Kotmire, General Manager, NABARD
Pradeep Baran Roy, ICAR-IMC Member
Rajib Debbarma, Mission Director, MODCDNER
Representatives from various agricultural institutions and farmer groups also participated.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Tripura Agriculture
Experts believe that with proper training, quality seeds and scientific practices, Rabi onion cultivation could emerge as a game-changer for Tripura’s rural economy. The initiative is expected to enhance farmer income, stabilize onion prices and strengthen the state’s long-term food security
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