State-Level Workshop in Tripura Stresses Integrated Approach to Combat Climate Crisis in Agriculture

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, August 13, 2025

In a significant step towards addressing the growing challenges posed by climate change, the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre, Lembucherra, today organised a state-level workshop focusing on the transformation of food, land, and water systems in the state. The event brought together representatives from NABARD, the Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD), the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs).

The workshop began with an in-depth address by Dr. B.U. Choudhury, Head of the ICAR Regional Centre in Tripura, who emphasised the urgent need for integrated approaches from production to consumption to safeguard the livelihoods of farmers. The discussions highlighted multiple pressing issues impacting the state’s agricultural and allied sectors.

Among the key concerns identified were the lack of irrigation facilities, erratic rainfall patterns, flash floods, poor natural drainage, shortage of climate-resilient paddy seeds, gaps in crop diversification, malnutrition, inadequate insurance for fisheries, and rising temperatures touching 36°C in October. Participants also noted problems such as soil erosion, low productivity, absence of dedicated organic farming methods, insufficient storage facilities, poor logistics, inadequate research-based policies, and lack of training for officials.

Specific sectoral gaps included the absence of seedling contingency plans for fisheries, unavailability of organic certified seeds, shortage of short-duration crops, insufficient value addition, and lack of mapping of water bodies for aquaculture. The need for better coordination among departments, improved IT support, and sustainable irrigation systems was also strongly emphasised.

The Bagma Agri Producer Company Limited (BAPCL) raised the demand for establishing Custom Hiring Centres to support mechanisation and reduce operational burdens for farmers.

The workshop concluded with a consensus that targeted, research-driven, and need-based policies must be implemented to address the multifaceted challenges and ensure climate-resilient, sustainable agriculture in Tripura.

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