338 farmers to cultivate on govt land with tax agreement: Ratan

In a major step toward resolving a long-standing land issue, 338 farmers in West Piriakhola under the Rajnagar Assembly Constituency of South Tripura district have been permitted to cultivate rubber on government-owned agricultural land.

The farmers, who had informally occupied the land, have now agreed to pay a nominal tax to the government as part of a formal arrangement.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held today, chaired by Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath and Cooperation Minister Shukla Charan Noatia.

Briefing the media, Minister Nath said portions of the land originally under the Horticulture Corporation had remained unutilized for years. “Over time, around 338 economically disadvantaged farmers began cultivating rubber there, which significantly improved their livelihoods. However, since the land was government property and the cultivators had no legal documents, the situation became complicated,” Nath stated.

He emphasized that while unauthorized occupation of government land is not permissible, the government remained committed to finding a fair and legal resolution. “Regulations must be followed, whether for agricultural, industrial, or any other purpose,” he added.

Following a series of consultations with stakeholders—including today’s meeting involving rubber growers and government officials—a consensus was reached. Under the new agreement, farmers will be allowed to continue cultivation after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government. The MoU will grant legal recognition to their activities, subject them to minimal taxation, and ensure state oversight.

Officials said the upcoming MoU would pave the way for a sustainable and mutually beneficial model of land use, balancing the interests of both the farmers and the state.