Agartala, November 29, 2024: Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Friday emphasized the state’s significant strides in the animal husbandry sector, unveiling a range of initiatives to promote livestock farming and empower youth and women.
Speaking at the launch of the second phase of the Mukhya Mantri Pashu Palak Samman Nidhi at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala city on Friday noon, Dr. Saha detailed the government’s commitment to fostering development in this vital sector.
“Tripura is witnessing remarkable growth in the animal husbandry sector. We are implementing schemes to encourage cattle rearing, poultry hatchery, and duckery, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for our people,” Dr. Saha said.
Under the Mukhya Mantri Pashu Palak Samman Nidhi, financial assistance of ₹6,000 per beneficiary is being provided through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). “Till date, 3,006 farmers have benefitted under this initiative,” the Chief Minister revealed.
The Mukhya Mantri Pashu Sampad Yojana, launched in 2024 with a budget allocation of ₹117 crore under the National Livestock Mission, targets the holistic development of animal husbandry. “The scheme envisions supporting 5,000 livestock farmers between 2024–25. So far, we have implemented 24,880 small poultry units and 10,817 duckery units,” Dr. Saha said.
The Calf Growth Meal (CGM) Scheme focuses on improving calf nutrition. “This program has benefited 500 female calves and 300 bull calves,” the Chief Minister noted. Additionally, a compensation scheme for livestock loss offers up to ₹20,000 to distressed families.
“During the recent floods, over 18,000 livestock were lost, and ₹5 crore has been allocated for free medicines, vaccinations, medical camps, and feeds,” Dr. Saha added.
Dr. Saha highlighted advancements in veterinary infrastructure, which now includes 16 veterinary hospitals, 65 dispensaries, and 434 veterinary sub-centers. “We aim to achieve 100% livestock vaccination coverage by 2024–25. Modern diagnostic tools like Molecular and ELISA diagnostics are also being adopted to combat zoonotic diseases,” he said.
The state boasts an annual production of 2,47,310 metric tons (MT) of milk, 59,700 MT of meat, and 35.96 crore eggs.
Animal Resources Development (ARD) Minister Sudhangshu Das announced plans to empower 50,000 women through chicken and duck rearing projects. “Entrepreneurs will also benefit from a 50% subsidy on pig and cattle farms under the National Livestock Mission,” he said.
Minister Das added, “Farmers will receive ₹6,000 to ₹6,500 for calf nutrition under the CGM scheme.”
The event was attended by ARD Secretary Deepa D. Nair, AMC Mayor Dipak Majumder, Deputy Mayor Manika Das Datta, and ARD Director Dr. Bimal Kanti Das.
Dr. Saha concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to making Tripura a model state in animal husbandry: “Through these initiatives, we are not just developing the sector but also transforming lives.”
