Govt’s commitment ensuring farmers get due respect and support: Tripura Minister
On Dec 4, LatestNewsX, the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister of Tripura, Ratan Lal Nath, spoke at a workshop and input‑distribution programme on the PPV & FR Act held at a Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Salema, Dhalai district. He said that the steady backing from both the central and state governments has brought the long‑desired respect to farmers.
Speaking to a gathering of agriculture professionals and local leaders, the Minister noted that since Prime Minister PM Modi assumed office, the stance towards farmers has dramatically improved. “Even if I wish, it is not possible to get certificates; there are so many farmers who know better than scientists. PM Modi said scientists must go from lab to land, help farmers first, and then conduct research. Farmers are now receiving due respect. Farmers are annadata. PM Modi has said farmers are the real gods. We must serve the farmers,” he added.
He explained that the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act (PPV&FRA), enacted in 2001, is a key piece of legislation that safeguards new crop varieties while recognising farmers’ traditional rights. Under the Act, seed varieties are registered in the name of the farmer, granting them full ownership. The objective is to encourage the development of improved varieties, protect farmers’ interests and preserve agricultural diversity.
The PPV&FRA Authority, an autonomous body under India’s Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, is responsible for registering crop seeds and providing legal protection. As the Minister put it, the law ensures that cultivators can access high‑quality seeds, stimulate research, and formally safeguard the genetic resources of new crops, while respecting their contribution to conserving traditional seed banks.
He highlighted that before the enactment of the Act, farmers rarely found a platform to claim ownership. “Farmers are now being recognised on the stage,” he remarked.
The Minister added that the direction from PM Modi urges the government to deliver every form of assistance to farmers so they can fully benefit. He cited India’s population of 145 crore, with roughly 20 crore individuals involved in farming, compared to Tripura’s 42.22 lakh residents, of whom 4.72 lakh are cultivators.
“Now, who is god? PM Modi always stresses the development of farmers, women, youth, and the poor, and only then can we make Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. In our state, farmers are gaining rights over their products. Agriculture has played a key role in the state’s economic growth. Per‑capita income is rising in Tripura, thanks to our government’s policies,” he said.
The event was attended by MLAs Swapna Das Pal, Manoj Kanti Deb, Chittaranjan Debbarma, Smabhu Lal Chakma, and other representatives.
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