Agartala, April 2025 — In a strategic move aimed at transforming Tripura’s agricultural economy and reducing dependency on imports, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has proposed a series of ambitious development projects worth ₹969 crore to the Central Government. These projects are specifically targeted at achieving self-sufficiency in milk and meat production — two key components of food security and rural livelihoods in the northeastern state.
This proposal, sent under the Animal Husbandry and Dairying sector, aligns with Tripura’s broader vision of rural empowerment, nutritional security, and sustainable development. If approved and implemented, these projects could change the face of animal husbandry and livestock-based income generation in the state.
Vision for a Self-Reliant Tripura
Currently, Tripura relies heavily on imports from other states to meet its daily consumption of milk and meat. According to official data, the state faces a shortfall of over 100,000 liters of milk and several thousand metric tonnes of meat every year. This dependency not only affects prices but also makes local consumers vulnerable to supply disruptions.
Chief Minister Manik Saha, while presenting the proposal, said:
“We are committed to making Tripura self-reliant in key food sectors. These projects will not only boost our internal production but also generate employment and improve the incomes of our farmers and livestock rearers.”
He added that the initiative would address both supply-side gaps and infrastructure challenges through a multi-pronged approach.
Breaking Down the ₹969-Crore Proposal
The proposed projects are structured to improve productivity, enhance infrastructure, and build a robust supply chain for both dairy and meat sectors. Key highlights include:
- Dairy Development Mission: Large-scale support for setting up modern dairy farms, increasing artificial insemination centers, promoting high-yield cattle breeds, and providing fodder development schemes. Community-level milk collection and chilling centers are also part of the plan.
- Meat Production Strategy: Support for goat, pig, and poultry farming on a commercial scale, along with training programs and veterinary care facilities. Upgraded abattoirs and hygienic meat processing units are also proposed to ensure quality and safety.
- Livestock Health and Veterinary Services: A major component focuses on strengthening veterinary hospitals, mobile health units, disease diagnostics labs, and vaccination drives.
- Skill Development & Entrepreneurship: Training for youth and women in animal husbandry practices and assistance in launching agri-business startups in rural areas.
- Cold Storage and Logistics Infrastructure: Investment in cold chains and transportation to reduce spoilage and improve rural-to-urban distribution.
Officials stated that if the proposal gets a green signal from the Centre, implementation could begin by the end of 2025 in phases.
Boost to Rural Economy
Tripura’s rural economy is deeply tied to livestock, especially for small and marginal farmers. For many households, selling milk, eggs, or poultry is often a secondary but critical source of income. Strengthening these sectors has the potential to drastically reduce poverty levels and encourage micro-entrepreneurship.
“Currently, we spend crores annually to import milk and meat products from other states. If we produce our own, this money stays within Tripura, directly benefiting our local farmers,” said an official from the state Animal Resource Development Department.
Support from the Centre Likely
Tripura’s proposal comes at a time when the Central Government is actively encouraging self-sufficiency in animal husbandry under schemes like the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, the National Livestock Mission, and the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF).
With the northeastern region being a focus area for development, experts believe that Tripura stands a good chance of receiving support.
A senior official in the Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying said,
“Tripura’s proposal is well-structured and aligns with national priorities. With proper monitoring and community participation, it could become a model for other northeastern states.”
Chief Minister Manik Saha’s ₹969-crore proposal reflects a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development and food self-sufficiency in Tripura. If approved and executed efficiently, the state could not only become self-reliant in milk and meat production but also emerge as a beacon of rural innovation and economic empowerment in the Northeast.
