Union Minister Pralhad Joshi Reviews Key Schemes and Approves FCI Office in Agartala

Key Points –

1. Pralhad Joshi visited Agartala to review central schemes and infrastructure.
2. He approved a regional FCI office in Agartala and assessed food grain distribution.
3. Joshi reviewed renewable energy projects, including solar pumps and street lights.
4. PMGKAY provides free food grains to 81 crore people, benefiting 94,000 farmers in Tripura.
5. Joshi praised Tripura’s 10-fold increase in solar energy capacity since 2018.

Agartala, December 29: Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, and New & Renewable Energy, Pralhad Joshi, visited Agartala from December 28 to 29, 2024, to attend various programs aimed at improving the state’s infrastructure and renewable energy sector. The visit marked a significant step toward strengthening Tripura’s food distribution system, energy capacity, and consumer welfare.

On December 28, Joshi visited the Food Corporation of India (FCI) office and state godowns, taking stock of the food grain storage and distribution situation. The Minister’s visit focused on ensuring that the state’s food security measures are up to date and effectively managed. His inspection allowed a closer look at the challenges related to food grain storage and distribution, which are crucial for the state’s welfare programs.

Later, Joshi held a meeting with Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha and senior officials to review the progress of central schemes in the state. The meeting specifically addressed the functioning of FCI, the Central Warehousing Corporation (CWC), and renewable energy programs under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). These discussions focused on enhancing the implementation of vital programs like Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM KUSUM, which aim to provide renewable energy solutions for farmers and consumers.

In a landmark announcement, Joshi granted approval in principle for the establishment of a regional FCI office in Agartala. This office will significantly improve food grain storage capacity and distribution in Tripura. The state government has been tasked with identifying the land for the new office, which will play a crucial role in streamlining food distribution in the region.

On the morning of December 29, Joshi paid a visit to the Maa Tripura Sundari temple in Udaipur, a spiritual highlight of his trip. He also participated in a live broadcast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program at the Chandrapur Colony Higher Secondary School in Gomati district, connecting with locals to share the government’s vision.

The Union Minister then visited Charilam village to assess a renewable energy project initiated by the Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA). The project is aimed at providing farmers with solar-powered pumps and street lighting systems. Under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM), 27 solar-powered pumps have been installed across 54 acres of farmland in the village. Additionally, 35 solar-powered street lighting systems were installed to improve local infrastructure. Joshi emphasized the positive impact of these projects on farmers, helping them achieve double cropping and, in turn, double income.

In his review of MNRE activities in the area, Joshi also announced the approval of a Private Enterprise Guarantee (PEG) scheme to improve storage infrastructure across the North Eastern states, with FCI aiming to increase its storage capacity in Tripura by 70,000 Metric Tonnes (MT) within two years.

Highlighting the success of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), Joshi noted that the government has been providing free food grains to 81 crore people across the nation. In Tripura, around 1.2 lakh MT of rice, valued at Rs 360 crore, has been procured under the Decentralized Procurement mode, benefitting approximately 94,000 farmers over the past five years.

Additionally, the government is set to distribute fortified rice, enriched with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, under all welfare schemes starting July 2024. In Tripura, 1.75 lakh MT of fortified rice has been distributed through various welfare initiatives in the state.

Joshi also highlighted the successful implementation of the One Nation, One Ration Card (ONORC) scheme in Tripura, which allows beneficiaries to collect their entitled ration from any Fair Price Shop (FPS) across the country. Tripura has successfully linked all 100% ration cards with Aadhaar and implemented ePOS at all FPSs to prevent leakage and ensure transparency.

Regarding price control, Joshi mentioned the government’s efforts to stabilize onion prices by maintaining a buffer under the Price Stabilisation Fund. For the first time, onions from Nashik are being transported to North East India by rail to ensure efficient supply to the region.

In the renewable energy sector, Joshi praised Tripura’s progress, noting that the state’s solar energy generation has increased from 2.5 MW in 2018 to more than 20.5 MW in 2024. He also encouraged the state to continue utilizing the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana and other renewable energy initiatives to further reduce electricity costs and reliance on high-cost power from gas-based plants.

Joshi also recognized the state’s efforts to boost renewable energy capacity, acknowledging that Tripura has made remarkable progress under the leadership of the BJP-led government. The Minister assured the people of Tripura that the central government will continue to collaborate with the state government to improve infrastructure, enhance the quality of life, and create better opportunities for the people.