Agartala, August 28: The Tripura government is working relentlessly to achieve self-sufficiency in the production of milk, meat and eggs, Animal Resources Development Minister Sudhangshu Das informed the state Legislative Assembly.
In a written reply to a question raised by MLA Swapna Das Paul, the minister said that over the past three years, a total of 51 animal hospitals and primary animal hospitals have been renovated, while five primary animal hospitals have been upgraded into veterinary dispensaries.
He said the department has undertaken several plans to strengthen infrastructure for livestock development. These include construction of sub-centres, dispensaries and animal hospitals through the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF).
With financial assistance from the North Eastern Council (NEC), plans are also underway for farmers’ training centres, farm development and establishment, hospitals, slaughterhouses and centres for animal products.
At the same time, through the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), the department plans to develop biosecurity systems, critical care units, feed analytical laboratories, blood banks for animals and government residential facilities.
Focus on Five-Year Roadmap for Livestock Sector
In another written reply to a question raised by MLA Jitendra Majumder, Minister Sudhangshu Das said the Animal Resources Development Department is working on a five-year roadmap aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in milk, meat and egg production while strengthening Tripura’s rural economy and creating employment opportunities for unemployed youth.
Milk Production
The minister said Tripura is currently the second-largest milk-producing state in Northeast India in terms of per-capita availability.
To achieve self-sufficiency in the dairy sector, the government is focusing on artificial insemination, nutritional security for newborn calves, improved veterinary treatment and disease prevention, dairy and cattle insurance, and modernisation of milk-processing infrastructure, he said.
Meat Production
According to the minister, Tripura has already achieved self-sufficiency in meat production and ranks second among northeastern states in terms of per-capita availability.
To further increase meat production over the next five years, artificial insemination in pigs has been introduced. Pigs and goats are also being distributed under various schemes.
Insurance schemes have been introduced, projects are being implemented with World Bank assistance, and veterinary services are being taken to farmers’ doorsteps, the minister said.
Egg Production
Tripura is currently the largest egg-producing state in Northeast India in terms of per-capita availability, the minister informed the House.
To increase egg production, improved breeds of ducks and chickens are being distributed. Government farms are being upgraded and brooder houses are being constructed.
Financial assistance through banks is also being provided to establish large-scale private commercial poultry farms, while improved measures are being adopted for disease treatment and prevention.
The Animal Resources Development Department will continue its efforts over the next five years to achieve self-sufficiency in egg production and explore export opportunities, Minister Sudhangshu Das said.
