Agartala, May 3 (IANS) Tripura Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Sunday told that, in a major milestone in the state’s organic farming movement, organic wheat has been successfully cultivated for the first time in the state.

A senior Agriculture Department official said that the initiative has been implemented under the leadership of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, with support from the Tripura State Organic Farming Development Agency (TSOFDA).

It has been carried out in collaboration with various organic Farmer Producers’ Organisations (FPCs) and pioneering farmers across the state, the official said.

Highlighting the achievement, the Minister told the media that organic wheat production in Tripura has surpassed conventional yield levels, marking a significant breakthrough for the sector.

He told that the crop has been cultivated across multiple clusters, including Jirania, Lefunga, Hejamara, Mandai in West Tripura district, Jampuijala in Sepahijala district, Belbari, Tulashikhar, Teliamura and Kalyanpur in Khowai district and Ompi in Gomati district.

Minister Nath said that this development represents a major step forward in crop diversification under organic farming and opens new avenues for expanding organic crop production in the state.

He also added that, based on data from conventional wheat cultivation between 2018-19 and 2024-25, the average yield in Tripura was around 2.119 metric tons per hectare.

In contrast, organic wheat production this year reached 3.03 metric tons per hectare, significantly exceeding conventional output.

He noted that this yield is close to the national average of 3.5 metric tons per hectare, underscoring the strong potential of the organic production system in Tripura.

“Farmers have expressed satisfaction with this achievement and have appreciated the support provided by TSOFDA in introducing and promoting wheat as a new organic crop. Many farmers have described this initiative as a historic beginning that will contribute to nutritional security, crop diversification, and increased income,” the Minister said.

He added that with continued institutional support and active participation of farmers through FPCs, the state is well-positioned to diversify the production of key food grains, thereby strengthening self-reliance, sustainable development, and market-oriented growth.

Minister Nath also emphasised that the success reflects the growing maturity of Tripura’s organic ecosystem and is expected to pave the way for expansion of organic wheat cultivation, seed production, and value addition initiatives such as organic flour and other health-focused food products.

“This initiative will enhance nutritional security, promote sustainable agriculture, improve climate resilience, and create better market opportunities for organic farmers, while further strengthening Tripura’s position as an emerging organic hub of Northeast India,” he said.

Rajiv Debbarma, Mission Director of TSOFDA, was also present on the occasion.

–IANS

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