Agartala, April 16: In a significant move towards achieving nutritional security, Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday proposed a comprehensive ₹969 crore plan to make the state self-reliant in milk, egg, fish, and meat production. The announcement came during a virtual meeting of the High-Level Task Force comprising Chief Ministers of Northeastern states, held in the presence of Union Minister of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Addressing Nutritional Needs
Dr. Saha emphasized that milk, eggs, meat, and fish are vital sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals necessary for the healthy growth of Tripura's population. "Our focus is not just on increasing production but ensuring that every citizen has access to nutritious food," he stated.
Bridging the Milk Deficit
The dairy sector remains a priority, with Tripura producing 2.47 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of milk in 2023-24 against a demand of 2.82 lakh MT—a shortfall of 35,000 MT. To address this, the state has implemented advanced Artificial Insemination (AI) techniques using sex-sorted semen (SSS), ensuring a 90% female calf birth rate. Over the past three years, 2.6 lakh AI doses have produced nearly 50,000 female calves.
Key proposals include:
₹80 crore for setting up eight dairy farms (200 cows each) across all districts.
₹7 crore to strengthen the Gomati Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd. with bulk milk cooling stations and NDDB-supported heifer programs.
Egg Production Leads NE States
Tripura boasts the highest per capita egg availability in the Northeast at 87 eggs per person annually, far exceeding the regional average of 25. This achievement stems from the Mukhya Mantri Prani Sampad Bikas Yojana, which has distributed 3 lakh chicks yearly over the last two years. To sustain growth, Dr. Saha proposed:
₹15 crore for mini-hatcheries in every Gram Panchayat and Village Council.
₹6 crore to modernize six government poultry and duck farms with automation.
Boosting Meat and Fish Production
For the meat sector, a ₹17 crore meat processing and packaging unit has been proposed. Recognizing feed scarcity as a major challenge, the CM also pitched a ₹30 crore automated feed mixing plant for livestock, poultry, and fisheries.
Given Tripura's proximity to Bangladesh, the risk of trans-boundary disease outbreaks remains high. To mitigate this, Dr. Saha advocated for a state-of-the-art disease diagnostic laboratory in Tripura. "Regular vaccinations and surveillance are in place, but a advanced lab will enhance our preparedness," he explained.
Fisheries: The Next Frontier
While details were briefly mentioned, Dr. Saha stressed the need for North Eastern Council (NEC) support to fund fish production projects over the next five years. Specific proposals are expected to follow in subsequent meetings.
A Vision for Self-Reliance
The ₹969 crore plan underscores Tripura's commitment to agricultural modernization and rural empowerment. By leveraging technology, cooperative models, and central partnerships, the state aims to close production gaps, create jobs, and ensure food security.
Union Minister Scindia praised the proposals, assuring central support. "Tripura's roadmap aligns with our mission for a self-sufficient Northeast," he remarked.
With these initiatives, Tripura is poised to emerge as a model for sustainable agri-development in the region, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
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