An automatic modern rice mill at East Champamura, 15 km east from Agartala, has recently been inaugurated by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar.
The facility will not only help transform the lives of local farmers, but provide employment to many youth.
It has a capacity to crush 180 tons paddy everyday and produce five varieties of rice.
East Champamura was once the hotbed of militancy. But, with the return of peace, rapid development is taking place.
"Tripura is the most peaceful area in the Northeast that is why people are keen to invest here. Through this we will be able to provide employment to local people. At present we have employed around 20-25 people. In the future, as our plant grows, we will employ more people," said Rakesh Saha, owner.
The mill has been set up under the Government of India's food mission programme to attract investors in the northeastern region.
Earlier, rice was imported from other state but now people can get fresh and fine quality rice in the local market and also farmer can sell their total paddy production here at good price.
"This will benefit the farmers a lot. Earlier as they used to sell their paddy at the husking mill at around Rs.12/13 per kg, they didn't make much profit. Now when they sell their crop at the mill they will make profit of around Rs.13/14 per kg. And they can directly sell their crops to the mill," said Bholanath Bhuiya, Mill Engineer from West Bengal.
"It is beneficial because poor laborers like us get a chance to work. I have come from Bihar to work here," added Govind Choudhury, a worker.
The government has been focusing on promoting the Northeast region as a potential investment hub by improving connectivity, developing infrastructure and providing incentives to investors.
The overall development in Tripura is proof that peace is essential for progress.
