Union Minister Pralhad Joshi visited Agartala on December 28-29, 2024, engaging in various programs to review central schemes and assess progress in food security, renewable energy, and consumer welfare in Tripura.
Food Security and Storage
During his visit, Joshi approved the establishment of a regional office of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in Agartala. The state government has been tasked with identifying suitable land for the project. Under the Private Enterprise Guarantee (PEG) scheme, FCI plans to double Tripura’s storage capacity by constructing an additional 70,000 MT within two years.
The Minister highlighted the success of Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which provides free food grains to 81 crore people across India. In Tripura, 1.2 lakh MT of rice worth ₹360 crore was procured over the last five years, benefiting approximately 94,000 farmers. Additionally, fortified rice enriched with essential micronutrients is being distributed under welfare schemes.
Renewable Energy Initiatives
Joshi reviewed ongoing renewable energy projects, including solar-powered pumps and streetlights installed under the PM-KUSUM and MNRE schemes. These initiatives have enabled double cropping on 54 acres, significantly increasing farmers’ income.
He urged public awareness of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, which provides affordable solar energy solutions. This initiative helps reduce Tripura’s reliance on high-cost gas-based power and benefits domestic consumers through subsidies and concessional loans. The Minister praised Tripura’s achievement of increasing solar energy generation from 2.5 MW in 2018 to over 20.5 MW today.
Consumer Welfare
The One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) initiative was highlighted as a major success, enabling 18.74 lakh portability transactions in Tripura. All ration cards in the state are Aadhaar-seeded, and Fair Price Shops are ePOS-enabled, ensuring transparency and preventing leakages.
Under the Strengthening Consumer Commissions scheme, ₹3.65 crore has been allocated to Tripura for improving consumer protection mechanisms. The government has also taken steps to stabilize prices through measures such as a Price Stabilization Fund, which includes transporting essential commodities like onions to the Northeast via rail.
National Achievements in Renewable Energy
Joshi noted that India’s renewable energy capacity has reached 214 GW, with a target of 500 GW by 2030. Programs like the National Green Hydrogen Mission and PLI schemes for solar PV modules are key contributors to this milestone.
Collaborative Efforts
The Minister emphasized collaboration between the central and state governments to ensure sustainable development. “Together, we are committed to creating better opportunities and a brighter future for the people of Tripura,” Joshi concluded.
This visit reinforced the government’s commitment to fostering progress in food security, renewable energy, and consumer welfare in the Northeast.