Tripura sets target to revive 18 hectares of old mango gardens: Agriculture Minister

Tripura’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath on Sunday announced that since 2018, approximately 706 hectares of new area have been brought under mango cultivation in the state through various government initiatives.

Addressing the Monsoon Mango Fiesta 2025 held at Narikel Kunj in Gandatwisa, Dhalai District, the Minister emphasized the potential of mango farming in transforming the rural economy of Tripura, especially among indigenous communities.

 “Tripura’s tropical climate, moderate temperature, generous rainfall, and fertile soil make it ideal for mango cultivation. Since 2018, the government has prioritized fruit cultivation to empower farmers economically,” said Nath.

The Minister highlighted that mango cultivation in Tripura spans 10,192 hectares, producing 51,368 metric tonnes (MT) annually—averaging 5.04 MT per hectare. In contrast, Gandatwisa subdivision boasts a higher average yield of 8 to 9 MT per hectare, nearing the national average of 9.66 MT per hectare.

He said the Horticulture and Research Centre in Nagichara cultivates a wide range of mango varieties, including 13 indigenous improved varieties such as Ambika, Arunika, Amrapalli, Himsagar, 22 foreign varieties like Miyazaki, Haribhanga, Yellow Banana, Japanese All Time, and Thai Himsagar.

He said that in Gandatwisa alone, mango orchards have grown significantly over the years. Currently, 186 farmers manage 22 mango orchards—4 indigenous and 18 foreign—spread across 277 hectares.

The Minister shared that local mangoes were sold wholesale this season at prices ranging from ₹50 to ₹70 per kg, while exotic varieties fetched between ₹150 and ₹300 per kg, marking a substantial boost in farmer incomes.

Additionally, 130 farmers from Gandatwisa will receive training in advanced fruit cultivation techniques to further enhance output and sustainability.

Looking ahead, the state has set an ambitious target to bring 50 hectares of new area under mango cultivation in Gandatwisa, expand pineapple cultivation to 10 hectares, introduce jackfruit farming on 1 hectare.

To support post-harvest infrastructure, the Minister revealed that 10 solar-powered cool chambers have been established across Tripura, and a new chamber will soon be inaugurated in Gandatwisa to benefit local fruit farmers.