ECONOMY

Primary Sector (Agriculture and Natural Resources)

The Primary Sector (Agriculture and Natural Resources) is the mainstay of North Tripura’s economy, employing over 70% of the population either directly or indirectly. The district has fertile plains and valleys where paddy is the principal crop, occupying the largest share of cultivated land. Other important crops include pulses, mustard, sesame, and vegetables. The region is also known for its horticulture, with fruits like pineapple, jackfruit, orange,lemon , Litchi and banana grown widely.

In 2021–22, Tripura produced around 1.2 lakh metric tonnes of pineapple, a large share of which came from North Tripura. Tea gardens and rubber plantations also play a role in the economic landscape, providing employment and revenue. In the hilly areas, many tribal families still practice jhum (shifting) cultivation.

The district is also rich in forest resources, with over 50% forest cover, providing bamboo, cane, timber, and medicinal plants. Animal husbandry (especially poultry and piggery) and fisheries are important supplementary activities in rural areas.
North Tripura plays a pivotal role in India’s agarwood industry, boasting a high concentration of agar trees and a significant portion of India’s agarwood production. North Tripura contributes a very high percentage (estimated at 90% or 95%) to the agar industry in Tripura, making it the largest producer of agarwood in the state. The Kadamtala Block in North Tripura is a significant producer. Specifically, the North Tripura district is particularly well-suited for agar cultivation due to its soil and climate. North Tripura boasts approximately 1.13 crore (11.3 million) agar trees, the highest concentration in the state. Around 15,000 families in North Tripura are engaged in agarwood cultivation and processing.

Secondary Sector (Manufacturing and Industry)

The secondary sector in North Tripura is small but growing, with handicrafts, handloom weaving, and bamboo-based industries forming the core. Around 10–12% of the workforce is employed in this sector. The district has several small-scale units such as rice mills, sawmills, food processing units, and weaving centers, especially in areas like Dharmanagar and Panisagar. Handloom weaving is a traditional skill among women in tribal communities. The Tripura Bamboo Mission has supported the growth of bamboo-based craft and furniture making, helping local artisans generate income. However, there is no major large-scale industry in the district due to limited infrastructure and investment.

Tertiary Sector (Services and Trade)

The tertiary sector contributes significantly to the economy of North Tripura, employing around 18–20% of the population. The sector includes transport services, retail trade, education, health services, banking, and government employment. Dharmanagar, the largest town in the district, is a hub for educational institutions, markets, and administrative services. The growth of digital banking, telecommunication, and government-sponsored self-help groups (SHGs) under schemes like TRLM has expanded livelihood opportunities in rural and semi-urban areas. Public sector jobs, especially in teaching, police, and administration, continue to be a major aspiration for educated youth due to job security and regular income.