In a major step towards agricultural reform and food security, the Government of Tripura has announced an ambitious target of cultivating hybrid rice over 25,200 hectares using the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) method in the 2025–26 financial year. The announcement was made by Tripura’s Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath during a review meeting with senior officials, signaling a strategic push to enhance rice productivity, ensure climate resilience, and achieve self-sufficiency in paddy production.
The minister emphasized that the adoption of hybrid rice varieties coupled with the SRI method will allow the state to significantly increase yields, conserve water, reduce the use of chemical inputs, and improve the income levels of farmers across the state’s eight districts.
What is the System of Rice Intensification (SRI)?
The System of Rice Intensification (SRI) is a sustainable agricultural methodology developed in the 1980s that emphasizes:
- Wider spacing of plants,
- Reduced water use through alternate wetting and drying,
- Use of younger seedlings, and
- Mechanical weeding to promote root and plant growth.
When combined with hybrid seeds, SRI enables yield increases of 30–50%, even under variable climate conditions. It also promotes soil health and biodiversity, reducing the long-term dependence on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Tripura’s Strategic Agriculture Vision
Over the years, Tripura has made consistent efforts to modernize its agricultural sector, which employs over 65% of the population either directly or indirectly. However, rice productivity in the state has traditionally remained lower than the national average due to small landholdings, rain-fed agriculture, and limited mechanization.
To overcome these challenges, the state government has laid out a roadmap that includes:
| Component | Target / Details |
|---|---|
| Hybrid rice coverage (2025–26) | 25,200 hectares |
| Districts under focus | West Tripura, Sepahijala, Gomati, Dhalai |
| Water-efficient irrigation projects | 100 new micro-irrigation schemes |
| Farmer training programs | 15,000+ farmers to be trained in SRI |
| Subsidies on hybrid seeds | 75% subsidy on certified hybrid seeds |
| Mechanization support | 2,500 mechanical weeders to be distributed |
Impact Potential: Yield and Economic Growth
According to the Agriculture Department’s estimates, average rice yield in Tripura currently stands at 2.8–3.2 tonnes per hectare. By shifting to hybrid seeds under SRI, the yield could increase to 4.5–5.5 tonnes per hectare, effectively boosting the state’s annual paddy output by over 40%.
Estimated Outcome from 25,200 Hectares Under SRI (2025–26):
| Parameter | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Current average yield | 3.0 tonnes/ha |
| Expected yield post-SRI | 5.0 tonnes/ha |
| Total production increase | ~52,920 tonnes |
| Incremental revenue to farmers | ₹115–130 crore (approx) |
| Fertilizer usage reduction | 20–25% |
| Water usage reduction | Up to 40% |
The move aligns with the state’s climate-adaptive farming policies and is projected to reduce groundwater depletion while increasing resilience against irregular monsoon patterns.
Government Support and Farmer Incentives
To make this transition successful, the Tripura government has announced a series of incentives and support systems for farmers who adopt the hybrid SRI model. These include:
- Free technical training sessions in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and ICAR.
- Demonstration farms in every district to showcase successful hybrid-SRI outcomes.
- Access to rural credit schemes, farm insurance, and irrigation tools under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
- Input kits including hybrid seeds, bio-fertilizers, and mechanical weeders to be distributed at subsidized rates.
National Context: Hybrid Rice and Food Security
India’s focus on hybrid rice adoption has grown significantly, especially with rising food demand and shrinking arable land. States like Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh have already seen yield breakthroughs with hybrid rice under SRI.
Tripura’s push is part of a larger trend supported by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), which encourages states to shift towards climate-smart agricultural practices.
| State | Hybrid Rice Area (2024 est.) | Yield (tonnes/ha) |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 1.2 lakh ha | 5.6 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 2.8 lakh ha | 4.9 |
| West Bengal | 3.2 lakh ha | 5.2 |
| Tripura (target) | 25,200 ha | 5.0 (projected) |
Tripura’s 2025–26 target, though modest compared to larger states, represents a significant leap for a North Eastern state and could serve as a model for regional agricultural transformation.
Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
Despite its potential, large-scale adoption of hybrid rice under SRI comes with challenges:
- Initial resistance from farmers unfamiliar with new techniques.
- Shortage of skilled manpower for mechanized transplantation.
- Logistics in hybrid seed distribution, especially in hilly areas.
To address these, the state is deploying dedicated agriculture extension officers and mobile support units to conduct outreach programs in local languages, ensuring both awareness and trust among rural communities.
Minister’s Vision for Future Expansion
Speaking on future plans, Minister Ratan Lal Nath stated, “The 25,200 hectares target is just the beginning. We envision covering over 50,000 hectares under SRI-hybrid rice by 2027. We aim to make Tripura self-reliant in rice production and resilient against climate change.”
He further mentioned plans for post-harvest infrastructure, including solar-powered storage facilities and rice milling hubs to prevent losses and add value to farm produce.
Expert Views and Stakeholder Reaction
Agriculture economists and crop scientists have lauded Tripura’s move as “timely and impactful,” especially in a post-pandemic era when food security and rural livelihoods are central to policy making.
Dr. Kunal Barua, senior agronomist at Assam Agricultural University, remarked, “Tripura’s hybrid-SRI strategy is a perfect blend of innovation and scale. The success of this initiative could prompt replication across North-East India, where rice is a dietary staple but productivity remains low.”
Local farmer bodies, while appreciative of the incentives, have urged the government to ensure timely seed availability and training to avoid uneven implementation.
Conclusion
Tripura’s decision to bring 25,200 hectares under hybrid rice cultivation through SRI in 2025–26 is a landmark policy shift aimed at enhancing rice yield, strengthening farmer incomes, and building a sustainable agriculture ecosystem. With robust government backing, technical support, and structured rollout, this initiative has the potential to position Tripura as a leading state in smart agriculture practices in the Northeast.
As global food security concerns grow and climate risks intensify, localized innovations like these are vital to ensuring long-term agricultural resilience and socio-economic stability in vulnerable regions.
Disclaimer: This article is intended solely for informational purposes based on publicly available data and government statements. It does not constitute professional agricultural or investment advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with local agricultural experts or authorities for personalized guidance.
