Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 1 (ANI): The Tripura State Committee of the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) on Saturday briefed the state's Chief Secretary Jitendra Kumar Sinha about the severe agricultural and rural distress in the state. The meeting, held at the State Secretariat, was followed by a press conference where AIKS State Committee Secretary, Pabitra Kar, outlined the discussions and assurances received.
Pabitra Kar highlighted the grim outlook for this year's Boro paddy production, predicting a 50-60 percent drop due to inadequate irrigation facilities. He also expressed concern over agricultural land being encroached upon by land mafias, which has significantly reduced cultivable land. Additionally, the plummeting prices of rubber have compounded the financial woes of farmers.
AIKS has demanded interim financial assistance similar to measures taken by the Kerala government to mitigate these losses.
Another alarming issue raised was the recent spate of elephant attacks, which have resulted in 15 fatalities. Kar attributed these attacks to the dwindling food supplies in the forests, forcing elephants and monkeys into human settlements. The Chief Secretary assured that special measures would be taken to address this issue.
The AIKS also pressed for compensation for farmers affected by consecutive natural disasters. Kar mentioned that the Chief Secretary promised a prompt government decision on this matter. Furthermore, the collapse of the MGNREGA work program, with workers receiving less than 30 days of employment instead of the mandated 90 days, was highlighted.
AIKS leader Pranab Debbarma spoke about the dire conditions in tribal areas, referencing a letter from opposition leader Jitendra Choudhury. The Chief Secretary acknowledged the letter and assured appropriate actions.
Assistant Secretary Ratan Das brought attention to the poor state of electricity and roads. He reported that the Chief Secretary took note of these issues and promised necessary interventions.
Kar reminded that the agricultural crisis in Tripura predates the recent calamities. Betel leaf and areca nut farmers are particularly hard-hit, with around 100,000 people dependent on these crops facing economic ruin. There are currently about 25,000 betel leaf and areca nut farmers in the state, mainly in the North District and Unakoti, with Jampui being a key cultivation area. The collapse of this multimillion-dollar industry has been exacerbated by the obstruction of outside traders by police and political agents, forcing farmers to sell their produce at minimal prices and driving them into debt.
The AIKS has demanded a minimum support price for these crops. Kar lamented that despite repeated appeals to the relevant authorities, the government has taken no action. Other AIKS leaders, including Siddiqur Rahman and Subhash Nath, also attended the press conference. (ANI)
