Tripura acceded to the Indian Union in 1949 and became a full-fledged State in 1972. About 60 per cent of the land is hilly and covered by forests. Agriculture forms the major occupation of the people. The total irrigated area of Tripura is 64,665 hectares and rice, vegetables and fruits are the major crops of the region. Orchids are also grown commercially. The major industries of the State are horticulture- based. Winters are cold, summers warm, and the average annual rainfall is 252 cm.