Tripura’s Animal Resource Development Department (ARDD) is spearheading an ambitious plan to achieve self-sufficiency in milk production within the state. ARDD Minister Sudhangshu Roy recently announced the government’s initiative to produce high-quality cattle fodder locally, marking a significant step toward this goal. Minister Roy made the statement during the launch of a 5,000-litre capacity Insulated Road Milk Tanker (IRMT) at the Gomati Dairy premises.
The IRMT will facilitate the transportation of milk from Bulk Milk Cooler Centers (BMC) at a controlled temperature of 4 degrees Celsius, ensuring the milk’s quality and preventing spoilage. Minister Roy hailed this development as a milestone for the sector, emphasizing that the Gomati Co-operative Milk Producers Union Limited will be responsible for implementing the Insulated Road Milk Tanker.
Minister Roy called for cooperation from departmental authorities and farmers involved in cow rearing, highlighting the government’s efforts to boost milk production in the state. He stressed the need to encourage farmers to rear cows in a healthy manner and announced plans to produce high-quality cattle fodder within the state. Government-owned vacant land, forest areas, and government farms will be utilized for fodder production.
Addressing the shortage of approximately 85,000 metric tons of milk projected for the 2022-23 year, Minister Roy emphasized the importance of enhancing milk production. He noted that around 27,000 female calves were born in the state as part of the Unnata Godhan Prakalp program, which aims to promote cattle rearing.
In addition to these measures, the ARDD has decided to establish Dairy buying centers in all districts of the state to ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce. Minister for Cooperation Shukla Charan Noatia, who was present at the inauguration of the Insulated Road Milk Tanker, expressed the government’s commitment to making Tripura self-sufficient in terms of milk production while prioritizing the welfare of farmers.
Noatia highlighted various state and central government schemes that provide cattle, poultry, and other resources to economically disadvantaged families, enabling them to improve their livelihoods and become self-reliant.
The efforts of the Gomati Co-operative Milk Producers Union Limited were commended for their contribution to taking dairy services to the grassroots level. The provision of the insulated tankers, including the 5,000-litre and 2,000-litre capacity BMCs in Melaghar and Kalyanpur, respectively, was made possible through the National Programme for Dairy Development Grant-In-Aid.
The launch ceremony of the Insulated Road Milk Tanker was attended by notable figures including Mayor-in-council of Agartala Municipal Corporation Hiralal Debnath, Chairman of Gomati Co-operative Milk Producers Union Limited Samir Das, and Principal Secretary of the ARDD department B. S. Mishra. The program showcased the government’s commitment to fostering dairy development, supporting farmers, and promoting self-sufficiency in milk production throughout Tripura.
