Agartala, September 25, 2025: Tripura’s Behalabari in Tulshikhar block of Khowai district has officially been declared as Bio Village 2.0, with foreign organizations investing in the project. The initiative has been implemented by the Tripura Government’s Department of Biotechnology with financial assistance from Ashraya Foundation.

A grand inauguration ceremony was held at Behalabari Panchayat Hall on Wednesday in the presence of State Forest and Science & Technology Minister Animesh Debbarma. The event was also attended by Ashraya Foundation Director Nalini Kumar, Zenil Dharani (CSR Incharge, Canara HSBC Life Insurance), Biotechnology Joint Director and project initiator Anjan Sengupta, among other dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Debbarma lauded the Ashraya Foundation and praised the Department of Biotechnology for spearheading the initiative. He noted that the Bio Village 2.0 model, conceptualized by a departmental officer, has gained recognition across the country.

Under this project, 56 beneficiaries of Behalabari have been included. As per the Bio Village framework, natural resources are first analyzed, after which beneficiaries can choose 3–5 components for support. Distributed items include energy-saving appliances, organic fertilizers, battery-operated spray machines, biomass coke stoves, biogas units, mushroom cultivation kits, beekeeping equipment, as well as livestock such as ducks, chickens, goats, piglets, and fish fry.

The project aims to promote rural socio-economic development while ensuring ecosystem conservation.