In a strategic push toward food security, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has unveiled a comprehensive Rs. 969-crore proposal aimed at making the northeastern state self-reliant in milk, egg, meat, and fish production. The ambitious blueprint was presented during a virtual meeting of the Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region’s (DoNER) High-Level Task Force, chaired by Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Bridging the Dairy Gap
Tripura currently faces a shortfall of 0.35 lakh metric tonnes in milk production, as recorded in the 2023-24 fiscal year. To address this, Dr. Saha proposed the establishment of eight modern dairy farms—one in each district—each designed to accommodate 200 cows. The Rs. 80-crore dairy initiative will be bolstered by a separate Rs. 7-crore upgrade plan for the Gomati Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd., which includes bulk milk cooling infrastructure and a new heifer induction program.
“Tripura is ready to embrace advanced artificial insemination techniques to enhance genetic quality and boost milk yield across the state,” said Dr. Saha.
Egg Production: Regional Leader with Bigger Goals
With a per capita egg availability of 87 per year—substantially higher than the northeastern average of 25—Tripura leads the region. The Chief Minister has proposed a Rs. 15-crore investment in decentralized mini hatcheries, run by local farmers, along with Rs. 6 crore earmarked for modernizing poultry and duck farms.
Strengthening Meat and Feed Infrastructure
The roadmap includes a Rs. 17-crore integrated meat production and packaging unit, aiming to streamline supply chains and ensure quality standards. Recognizing feed shortages as a major constraint in livestock and fish farming, Dr. Saha also proposed a Rs. 30-crore automated feed mixing plant.
Toward Holistic Agri-Livestock Development
The proposal aligns with Tripura’s broader vision to strengthen rural livelihoods and reduce dependence on food imports from other states. If sanctioned, the integrated project is expected to catalyze employment, enhance nutritional security, and build a resilient agri-livestock economy.
