Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has unveiled ambitious plans to make the northeastern state self-reliant in the production of milk, eggs, meat, and fish. During a virtual meeting of the High-Level Task Force under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Saha proposed projects worth Rs 969 crore aimed at addressing production gaps and boosting local economies.
Highlighting the state’s current challenges, Saha noted that milk production in Tripura for the fiscal year 2023-24 stood at 2.47 lakh metric tonnes, while the demand was 2.82 lakh metric tonnes, leaving a deficit of 0.35 lakh metric tonnes. To bridge this gap, the Chief Minister proposed the establishment of eight dairy farms, one in each district, with a capacity of 200 cows each, at a cost of Rs 80 crore. Additionally, he suggested strengthening the Gomati Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd by setting up bulk milk cooling stations and introducing high-yielding cross-breed heifers.
In the egg sector, Tripura boasts the highest per capita availability among northeastern states, with 87 eggs per person annually. To further enhance production, Saha proposed Rs 15 crore for mini hatcheries in gram panchayats and village councils, along with Rs 6 crore for automating existing poultry and duck farms.
For meat production, the Chief Minister recommended a Rs 17 crore project to establish a meat processing and packaging center. Recognizing feed availability as a major challenge in the region, he also proposed a Rs 30 crore automated feed mixing plant for livestock, poultry, and fisheries.
The fisheries sector was not overlooked, with plans to boost fish production through innovative techniques and infrastructure development. Saha emphasized the importance of these projects in ensuring nutritional security and economic growth for the state’s residents.
These proposals reflect Tripura’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency in essential food products while fostering sustainable development and empowering local communities. The initiatives are expected to transform the state’s agricultural and animal husbandry sectors, paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous future.
