By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 24, 2026
Agartala, July 24 (FD)Â In a landmark step towards strengthening veterinary healthcare and improving livestock services across the state, the Tripura Animal Resources Development (ARD) Department on Saturday launched 50 Mini Mobile Veterinary Units (MMVUs). The initiative, inaugurated by Animal Resources Development Minister Sudhangshu Das at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala, aims to deliver advanced veterinary care directly to the doorsteps of livestock farmers, especially those living in remote and inaccessible regions.
Describing the occasion as a historic day in the history of the Animal Resources Development Department, Minister Sudhangshu Das said the newly launched Mini Mobile Veterinary Units would transform the delivery of veterinary services across Tripura. He emphasised that the initiative reflects the state government's commitment to ensuring quality animal healthcare reaches even the most remote villages, where conventional veterinary facilities often remain difficult to access.
The Minister formally handed over the keys of the 50 newly inducted vehicles to their respective drivers during the programme. The event was attended by Acting Sabhadhipati of the West Tripura Zilla Parishad Bishwajit Shil, Director of the ARD Department Dr. Neeraj Kumar Chanchal, Additional Director Dr. Bimal Krishna Das, senior departmental officials, veterinarians and livestock farmers.
Sudhangshu Das stated that the deployment of the Mini Mobile Veterinary Units was announced in the State Budget for the financial year 2024-25. The vehicles have now been allocated to block-level offices throughout the state to ensure faster and more accessible veterinary services, including treatment, vaccination, disease diagnosis and emergency healthcare for livestock.
He noted that although Tripura already operates 13 large Mobile Veterinary Units, difficult geographical conditions often prevent them from reaching interior villages. The smaller and more mobile vehicles are expected to bridge this gap by travelling directly to the homes of livestock farmers and providing timely treatment for cattle, goats, pigs, poultry and other domestic animals.
According to the Minister, the department is working with three key objectives—strengthening healthcare services for livestock and poultry, increasing the production of meat, milk and eggs, and creating sustainable employment opportunities for unemployed youth through animal husbandry and allied activities.
He highlighted that preventive animal healthcare continues to remain a priority, with free vaccination programmes, including the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) vaccination campaign, being conducted regularly across the state. Alongside preventive measures, the department is also expanding home-based treatment services for seriously ill animals through mobile veterinary teams.
The Minister further informed that livestock farmers can seek veterinary assistance by calling the toll-free helpline 1962, following which veterinary doctors, ARDD personnel and animal ambulances will reach beneficiaries within 24 hours to provide treatment.
Sudhangshu Das also pointed to the successful implementation of the Mukhyamantri Prani Sampad Vikas Yojana, under which financial assistance is being provided to thousands of families engaged in poultry, piggery and cattle farming. Several special schemes, including dedicated pig farming projects in ADC areas, are also being implemented to strengthen rural livelihoods.
Acting Sabhadhipati Bishwajit Shil described the launch of the Mini Mobile Veterinary Units as a landmark initiative that would significantly improve animal healthcare services while boosting the income of livestock farmers across Tripura.
During the programme, subsidies were distributed to livestock farmers from South Tripura and Gomati districts under the NL-MEDP project. Two beneficiaries also received insurance assistance through cheques worth Rs. 60,000 and Rs. 50,000 respectively. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Additional Director Dr. Bimal Krishna Das. FD SB