Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Agartala: The Tripura government is scaling up efforts to promote commercial grape cultivation following the successful harvest of sweet grapes in the Unakoti district. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath announced a comprehensive strategy to expand the industry, which includes testing 18 additional grape varieties and providing specialized technical training for local farmers.
During a recent visit to Chandipur, Minister Nath inspected the successful orchard and distributed modern agricultural equipment to local growers. The initiative marks a significant milestone for the region, where researchers have already developed four distinct grape varieties, including two suited for winemaking. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Unakoti resumed its research in 2024, leading to immediate gains in fruit quality, yield, and sweetness.
State authorities acknowledge that historical challenges such as high humidity, heavy rainfall, and insufficient technical expertise have hindered production. To overcome these hurdles, the government is implementing advanced nutrient management and growth regulation techniques. These practices aim to help Tripura compete with the national average productivity of 24 metric tonnes per hectare.
The long-term government roadmap involves creating dedicated grape cultivation clusters and vineyards. Officials also plan to boost farmer income by establishing small-scale juice processing units. This strategy will provide training in value-added production, such as ready-to-serve beverages, while ensuring farmers have consistent access to essential inputs and scientific guidance.
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