Tripura CM Proposes Rs 431.71 Cr Plan for Milk, Meat, and Eggs Self-Sufficiency
In a significant push toward agricultural and economic development, Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha announced that a comprehensive project proposal worth Rs 431.71 crore has been submitted to the North Eastern Council (NEC). The initiative aims to achieve self-sufficiency in milk, meat, and egg production within the state while also addressing the demands of other North Eastern states. The announcement was made during a high-level virtual meeting chaired by Union Minister for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Jyotiraditya Scindia, on Friday.
The meeting, the second of its kind organized by the Ministry of DoNER, focused on positioning the eight North Eastern states as leaders in the production of milk, eggs, fish, and meat. Dr. Saha emphasized the critical role of the fisheries and animal husbandry sectors in driving Tripura’s economic growth and meeting the nutritional needs of its population. He provided a detailed overview of the state’s current per capita demand, availability, and shortages in these key food sectors for the financial year 2023–24, underscoring the urgency of addressing these gaps.
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Strengthening Animal Husbandry and Fisheries
Dr. Saha highlighted several ongoing initiatives to boost milk production in Tripura. These include the adoption of advanced techniques such as artificial insemination using sex-sorted semen, the strengthening of dairy cooperatives, and targeted support for women engaged in poultry rearing. Additionally, under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) scheme, animal husbandry entrepreneurs are receiving assistance to expand their operations. The Chief Minister also proposed the establishment of a modern animal disease detection laboratory in the state to enhance livestock health and productivity, a critical step toward achieving self-reliance.
Today chaired the 2nd meeting of the High-level Task Force on attaining self- reliance in Milk, Fish, and Meat production in Northeast region in virtual mode at the VC room, Secretariat, Agartala.
In the meeting, held elaborate discussions with the Hon’ble CMs and officials of… pic.twitter.com/QoVW8uF18Y
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) May 30, 2025
In a bid to tap into regional and international markets, Dr. Saha stressed the potential for establishing a pig breeding farm and processing unit in Tripura. This facility would focus on breeding high-yielding pig varieties for export to other North Eastern states and even Southeast Asia, positioning Tripura as a key player in the regional livestock trade.
Fisheries Development: A Parallel Priority
On the fisheries front, Dr. Saha outlined Tripura’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production. The state is actively working on expanding and renovating water bodies under two flagship schemes: the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Chief Minister Matsya Vikas Yojana. Over the past five years, the state government has allocated approximately Rs 50 crore from its budget to support fish farming initiatives. Additionally, Rs 76.4 crore has been utilized from PMMSY funds to bolster the sector.
To further these efforts, a separate project proposal worth Rs 816.5 crore has been submitted to the NEC. This ambitious plan aims to make Tripura self-sufficient in fish production while also enabling the state to meet the fish demands of neighboring North Eastern states. Dr. Saha emphasized that these investments reflect the state’s commitment to sustainable development and economic resilience.
Collaborative Efforts and Regional Leadership
The virtual meeting saw participation from prominent regional leaders, including Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister T. Zeliang, alongside other senior officials. From Tripura, key attendees included Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. P.K. Chakraborty, Secretary of the Planning Department L.T. Darlong, Secretary of the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (ARD) Department Deepa D. Nair, and Director of the ARD Department Neeraj Kumar Chanchal.
The discussions underscored the shared vision of transforming the North Eastern region into a hub for livestock and fisheries production. Dr. Saha called for enhanced cooperation from the central government to support Tripura’s initiatives, particularly in securing funding and technical expertise to achieve the outlined goals.
A Vision for Self-Reliance
Tripura’s proposals reflect a broader vision of self-reliance and regional collaboration. By addressing local shortages and building capacity for surplus production, the state aims to contribute to the economic and nutritional security of the North Eastern region. The establishment of modern infrastructure, such as the proposed animal disease detection lab and pig breeding farm, signals a forward-thinking approach to sustainable development.
As the state awaits approval and funding from the NEC, the initiatives outlined by Dr. Saha hold the potential to transform Tripura’s agricultural landscape. These efforts not only promise to meet local demands but also position Tripura as a key contributor to the North Eastern region’s food security and economic growth.
