Agartala, June 19, 2025: Animal Resource Development minister Sudhangshu Das today inaugurated the newly constructed Khowai District Animal Hospital built at a cost of Rs 1.18 crore under the Animal Resource Development department. The hospital is located near West Singi on National Highway 08.

Minister Das was accompanied by Assembly Chief Whip Kalyani Roy, MLA Pinaki Das Chowdhury, Khowai Zilla Parishad Sabhadipati Aparna Singh Roy, Panchayat Samiti Chairman Tinku Bhattacharjee, Zilla Parishad member Anukul Das, Khowai Municipal Council Chairman Debasish Nath Sharma, ARDD Director Neeraj Chanchal and local veterinary officials and staff.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Das said, “The hospital will begin operations from tomorrow and is expected to significantly strengthen veterinary healthcare in the district. Our department focuses on three core services: preventive care, curative treatment, and overall livestock development.”

He elaborated that just like human healthcare progresses through sub-centers to referral hospitals, veterinary treatment will now follow a structured hierarchy, ensuring advanced medical services for animals. The new facility will provide both emergency and routine treatment for livestock, and will soon be equipped with advanced tools including X-ray machines, ultrasound, and Caesarean section facilities for large animals.

“The goal is to make veterinary services accessible and efficient,” Das said, noting that the hospital will serve farmers and animal rearers across Khowai district and surrounding rural areas.

Highlighting employment opportunities, Das emphasized the government’s focus on improving rural livelihoods through livestock-based enterprises such as poultry, piggery, dairy, and fisheries. “The Prime Minister’s vision is clear: if villages progress, cities will prosper, and the nation will flourish. Animal husbandry is a key to rural economic empowerment,” he said.

He cited multiple initiatives by the department, including artificial insemination for improved cow breeds at just Rs 25 per straw and annual aid of Rs 4,500 for rearing calves. “If an unemployed youth wants to take up livestock farming and seeks a loan of Rs 1 crore, the government is ready to provide a subsidy of up to Rs 50 lakh,” he added.

Das also called on educated rural youth to consider livestock ventures, stating, “Such enterprises can earn lakhs annually. Despite our progress, Tripura still lags in fish farming and milk production. But we are working on it and hope to become self-reliant soon.”

After the ceremony, the minister toured the hospital and interacted with veterinary staff witnessing a live cattle tagging demonstration.