Tripura ramps up mango production in Dhalai district

Agartala: Tripura is adding 136 acres to its mango orchards in the Gonda Twisa sub-division. Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath confirmed the move Thursday at the Monsoon Mango Festival in Narikelkunja. This expansion targets higher production and better pay for local growers.

The region already produces nine metric tonnes per hectare, nearly double the state average of five. Currently, 259 farmers work the land there. The state government intends to back these growers with cash, new irrigation, and five additional cold chambers. Workers will also get help fixing up aging orchards.

"The government will extend mango cultivation to another 342 kani of land in Gonda Twisa. We are also providing financial support to revive old orchards, deep irrigation facilities and will set up five more cold chambers for mango growers," Nath said.

Tripura manages 58,000 hectares of fruit crops total. About 10,000 hectares currently grow mangoes. Officials want farmers to lean into other crops too, like pineapple, ginger, and bananas. The festival serves as a shop window for local produce. It aims to put the Dumboor area on the map as a key commercial hub.