By Firstdespatch Desk May 21, 2026
Agartala, May 21 (FD) A large-scale rural development initiative aimed at strengthening the livestock sector and improving tribal livelihoods is steadily transforming the socio-economic landscape of Tripura. The state government has so far formed 950 producer groups under different initiatives to expand animal husbandry activities and create sustainable income opportunities for rural communities, Animal Resource Development Minister Sudhangshu Das said on Thursday.
Addressing a state-level workshop and distribution programme for “Pashu Sakhis” at Pragna Bhavan, the minister highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts between the Animal Resource Development Department, Tribal Welfare Department and Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission under the Tripura Rural Economic Growth and Service Delivery Project (TRESP).
He stated that Tripura is primarily an agriculture-based state where the rural economy depends heavily on farming and allied sectors. However, the livestock sector possesses immense untapped potential capable of significantly enhancing rural incomes and employment opportunities. According to the minister, TRESP has opened new avenues for integrated development in tribal and rural areas.
The TRESP initiative, launched as a multi-sectoral development project, has been designed for implementation from the 2023-24 financial year to 2028-29. The project involves an investment of nearly Rs 1,400 crore, of which around Rs 1,200 crore is supported by the World Bank, while the state government is contributing the remaining amount.
Sudhangshu Das said the project is not limited to livestock development alone. Several departments, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Education and Public Works, are working together to ensure comprehensive socio-economic progress across the state.
The minister informed that under the Animal Resource Development Department, support is being provided for piggery, goat rearing, poultry farming and dairy development in tribal areas. The project also includes the construction of shelter houses, livestock feed support, vaccination drives, disease prevention measures, technical assistance and training programmes for livestock rearers.
He said that more than 22,000 rural women are already benefiting through producer group formations and related activities. The government plans to expand these groups further to create stronger rural entrepreneurship networks.
The minister also announced that Rs 24 crore has been allocated to the Animal Resource Development Department for ongoing developmental works. To improve service delivery, the department has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited. At present, Tripura has 13 mobile veterinary units operating across different regions, and additional units will soon be introduced.
Livestock farmers can also seek assistance through the toll-free helpline number 1962, he added.
Sudhangshu Das claimed that Tripura has already achieved self-sufficiency in meat production, while the government is now focusing on increasing fish, milk and egg production to attain similar self-reliance. He urged all concerned departments to work jointly to achieve these targets.
The workshop was attended by senior officials, veterinary doctors, livestock trainees and Pashu Sakhis from different districts. Among others, Animal Resource Development Department Secretary Deepa D Nair, Tribal Welfare Director Subhashish Das and Bharat Financial Inclusion Limited representative Kishore Sambasivam addressed the gathering.
During the technical session, experts including Utpal Karmakar and Deputy Director of the Animal Resource Development Department Dr Jyotirmoy Roy discussed livestock management and rural service delivery strategies.
The programme also witnessed the official unveiling of the new logo of the Animal Resource Development Department, along with the launch of call centre and IEC materials under the Bharat Sanjibani Project’s mobile veterinary unit initiative.
A total of 80 Pashu Sakhis received 24 different types of livestock kits and certificates under the TRESP project. Additionally, selected trained Pashu Sakhis from Mandai and Belbari blocks were provided with specialised Artificial Insemination in Pig kits to deliver doorstep breeding support services to livestock farmers in rural areas.
A documentary highlighting the objectives and achievements of TRESP was also screened during the event. FD SB