Tripura Second-Largest Milk Producer of NE, puts 23% more funds for Animal Resource Development: Minister

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, July 2, 2026

Tripura has emerged as the second-largest milk-producing state in the Northeast, reflecting the impact of sustained investments in dairy development, veterinary healthcare and livestock services, Animal Resource Development (ARD), Fisheries and SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das said on Wednesday.

Addressing a press conference at the Civil Secretariat, Das said the ARD Department utilised 97.3 percent of its budget allocation during the 2025-26 financial year and has been allotted 23.33 percent more funds for 2026-27 to further strengthen the sector.

He said the department has prioritised increasing milk, egg and meat production while expanding veterinary infrastructure and promoting livestock farming as a sustainable source of rural livelihood.

During 2025-26, veterinary institutions across the state provided treatment and preventive healthcare to nearly 63.97 lakh livestock and poultry. More than 11.84 lakh animals were vaccinated against Foot-and-Mouth Disease, while over 80 lakh poultry birds received vaccinations against various diseases.

To improve access to veterinary care, 13 Mobile Veterinary Units are currently operational, and the government is planning to introduce 50 Mini Mobile Veterinary Units. Farmers can also avail emergency veterinary assistance through the Bharat Sanjeevani toll-free helpline.

The minister said over 1.23 lakh artificial inseminations were carried out during the last financial year. The use of sex-sorted semen led to the birth of more than 37,300 calves, the majority of them female, which is expected to significantly enhance milk production in the coming years.

Tripura has also strengthened its dairy infrastructure with the commissioning of a 40,000-litre-per-day milk processing plant at Bamutia. A liquid nitrogen production unit has become operational at R.K. Nagar, while similar facilities are being established at Udaipur and Kumarghat to support artificial insemination services and reduce dependence on external supplies.

Das said the department has signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and Gomati Milk Union under the White Revolution 2.0 programme to strengthen dairy cooperatives and improve farmers' income.

The government also expanded fodder cultivation, supported backyard poultry and duck-rearing units, insured more than 16,000 livestock, and extended financial assistance and compensation to livestock rearers. New veterinary hospitals, dispensaries, sub-centres and medicine stores have also been established to improve animal healthcare services across the state.

ARD Department Secretary Deepa D. Nair and Director Dr. Neeraj Kumar Chanchal were also present at the press conference.

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