Photo Courtesy: tripuratimes
Agartala: The Khowai Horticulture Department is launching a series of ambitious projects for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Officials want to expand local cultivation and pad farmers' bank accounts. Deputy Director Chitta Debbarma announced the strategy on Monday. He said the agency will push for improved varieties of vegetables, pineapple, jackfruit, rambutan, watermelon, and flowers. Oil palm and potatoes are also on the list.
Plans under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture target 150 hectares for hybrid summer and winter vegetables. The initiative includes 75 hectares for pineapple, 10 for jackfruit, and five for rambutan. Farmers will also plant 40 hectares each of watermelons and flowers. Debbarma noted the department will provide extra gear to help the work. This includes pump sets, solar pumps, and cash for digging new ponds.
A separate Central government push, the National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm, earmarks 300 hectares for oil palm. The department is also using a State Plan scheme to boost potato production. Growers will use true potato seeds on seven hectares. The government is providing a subsidy for 26 metric tonnes of tuberlets. The agency expects to assist 500 farmers with ARC-derived tuberlets and will give 30 farmers ARC saplings.
These efforts aim to move farmers beyond conventional crops. "The programmes are aimed at encouraging farmers in Khwoai district to supplement conventional cultivation with improved varieties and higher-value crops and creating opportunities to increase their income," Debbarma said.
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