Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Friday announced that the state government has taken initiatives to increase the number of cattle by identifying 10 villages under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. 

“The importance of the Animal Resources Development Department is immense. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also given special importance to the field of animal husbandry. He is especially focused on the overall welfare of farmers. The Tripura government is also working in the direction indicated by the Prime Minister,” he said. 

The Chief Minister was speaking at the Mukhyamantri Prani Palak Samman Nidhi event held at Pragna Bhavan in Agartala on Friday. 

At the event, Dr Saha mentioned that the ARDD is implementing various projects and undertaking diverse initiatives, which are creating new employment opportunities. 

“The production of animal food products is also increasing. However, more work needs to be done. Beneficiaries and others also need to be encouraged to take up animal husbandry. The production of milk, meat, and eggs is very important to us, and we need to explore ways to further enhance their supply. The department is working on vaccination, treatment, and disease prevention measures for animals and birds,” said Dr Saha. 

He informed that the state currently has 16 veterinary hospitals, 65 veterinary dispensaries, 460 veterinary sub-centers, and 13 mobile veterinary units to ensure the quick treatment of animals and birds. 

The Chief Minister added that state-of-the-art infrastructure has been introduced to the hospitals under the Animal Resources Development Department. 

“In addition, a financial assistance scheme has been launched in the financial year 2023-24. The target is to produce approximately 2, 47,310 metric tons of milk, 59,700 metric tons of meat, and 35.96 crore eggs. Initiatives have been undertaken to increase the number of cattle under the Chief Minister's Unnata Gou Dhan Prakolpo. Arrangements have been made to boost the number of female calves and achieve self-sufficiency in milk production. Efforts are also being made to increase the cattle population in 10 villages identified under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. Judging from all aspects, this department is performing commendably in various fields. These efforts will contribute to the growth of Tripura’s GDP and provide financial benefits to people in rural areas. This will pave the way for realizing the dream of building a better Tripura in the future,” he added. 

ARDD Minister Sudhangshu Das, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, Deputy Mayor Monika Das Dutta, and high-ranking officials of the department were present as distinguished guests at the event.