Ratan Lal Nath highlights inclusive growth through Agriculture & Rural Schemes

Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Friday emphasized that the combined efforts of the Central and State governments are directed toward empowering farmers, rural communities, youth, and women to achieve the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.

He was speaking at a District-Level Workshop on Natural Farming held at Madhumala SB School, KK Nagar, Bishalgarh, under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan initiative.

Nath said agriculture remains the backbone of India’s economy and that sustainable development is not possible without strengthening the farming sector. He highlighted several flagship programmes, including PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Kusum, and the Soil Health Card scheme, which aim to improve farmers’ income and promote natural farming practices.

The Minister also pointed to welfare measures such as Ayushman Bharat and PM Awas Yojana, noting that over 4 lakh houses have been provided in Tripura under the current government, compared to 72,000 during earlier regimes. He added that 6.48 lakh free water connections and free ration distribution have further strengthened rural households.

Nath remarked that India, once dependent on imports of rice and wheat, is now exporting grain, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisioning India as a global hub for grain storage. He credited farmers for this transformation and said inclusive growth policies have helped India rise from the 11th to the 4th position in the global economy.

The workshop, attended by MLA Sushanta Deb and other dignitaries, included discussions on sustainable agriculture, natural farming techniques, and the role of rural schemes in improving livelihoods.