ICAR–NDRI Kalyani organized an Animal Health and Input Distribution Camp in Tripura, distributing vital livestock resources and promoting scientific animal husbandry. Over 120 farmers benefited from expert guidance to boost productivity and strengthen rural livelihoods in Northeast India.
The ICAR–National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI), Eastern Regional Station, Kalyani, West Bengal, successfully conducted a one-day Animal Health and Input Distribution Camp at the Conference Hall of Bagma Agri Producer Company Limited (BAPCL) in Bagma, Gomati District, Tripura. The initiative was organized under the NDRI–NEH Project, which focuses on improving livestock health, productivity, and the income of farmers in the North Eastern region.
The programme drew enthusiastic participation from livestock farmers across Gomati, South Tripura, Khowai, and Sepahijala districts, with more than 120 farmers attending. The event aimed to provide hands-on support to rural livestock owners through veterinary care, distribution of inputs, and awareness on modern rearing practices.
In his inaugural address, Dr. Ashok Santra, Principal Scientist at NDRI, Kalyani, highlighted the critical role of both agriculture and animal husbandry in sustaining rural livelihoods in the northeastern states. He pointed out that integrated farming has become increasingly important amid challenges such as irregular rainfall and the growing impact of climate change on crop yields. “Combining livestock rearing with crop cultivation not only ensures additional income but also enhances resilience against climate uncertainties,” Dr. Santra said.
The event was attended by several dignitaries and experts, including Mr. Nimai Das, Pradhan of South Bagma Gram Panchayat; Dr. M. Karunakaran, Dr. Ajoy Mandal, and Dr. Mohan Mandal, Senior Scientists from NDRI; Dr. Afsana Sarkar, Veterinary Officer, Bagma; Dr. Debajyoti Sarkar, Veterinary Officer, Kakraban; Sudip Majumder, Managing Director of BAPCL; and Md. Farukul Islam, Chief Executive Officer of BAPCL.
During the camp, farmers received a variety of essential inputs including chicklets, ducklings, livestock feed, mineral mixtures, vitamins, calcium supplements, and other vital veterinary supplies. These distributions are part of NDRI’s ongoing efforts to enhance animal nutrition and improve the genetic potential and productivity of local livestock.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Santra emphasized the need for adopting scientific methods in animal husbandry to increase milk and meat production while ensuring the health of livestock. “Scientific management of feeding, breeding, and disease control is key to maximizing returns from livestock,” he remarked. He encouraged farmers to remain updated with the latest techniques and to consult veterinary experts regularly.
Sudip Majumder, Managing Director of BAPCL, extended his gratitude to NDRI, Kalyani, for its consistent support and field-level initiatives in Tripura. “NDRI’s collaboration has played a pivotal role in promoting livestock-based livelihood development in our state. Such camps not only provide valuable resources but also inspire farmers to adopt modern practices,” he said.
An interactive session was also held where farmers discussed practical challenges in livestock rearing, including disease prevention, balanced nutrition, housing, and vaccination schedules. The experts addressed these queries and shared practical, science-backed solutions for better herd management and productivity enhancement.
The camp also served as a platform to reinforce collaborative efforts between ICAR–NDRI and BAPCL, demonstrating how institutional support and community engagement can drive rural transformation. Through sustained interventions like this, the NDRI–NEH Project aims to strengthen the dairy and livestock sectors of the northeastern region, ensuring that small and marginal farmers can build sustainable, income-generating enterprises.
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The event concluded with a collective message of empowerment, sustainability, and scientific advancement in rural livestock management. The NDRI officials assured farmers of continued technical guidance and follow-up initiatives to monitor progress and address emerging challenges in the sector.
With such collaborative projects, Tripura’s rural economy stands to gain significantly, as livestock rearing remains an integral part of both nutrition security and livelihood diversification for thousands of families across the state.
