Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha has announced a significant financial push to transform the state’s agricultural and livestock economy. On Wednesday, he unveiled projects worth Rs 969 crore with the aim of making Tripura fully self-reliant in the production of milk, meat, fish, and eggs. The announcement marks a decisive step toward strengthening the state’s food security and reducing dependence on supplies from outside.
Speaking at a press conference, the Chief Minister said the state has long relied on imports from other regions to meet its daily protein needs. He said that despite the hardworking nature of farmers and livestock rearers in Tripura, they lacked the infrastructure and technical support to scale up production. Through this massive investment, he emphasized, the government would build a foundation that empowers rural communities while also enhancing nutritional standards across all districts.
The government plans to channel these funds into expanding the infrastructure needed for fisheries, dairy farming, and poultry. Dr. Saha said the goal is not only to meet the state’s internal demand but also to establish Tripura as a key supplier in the northeast. He mentioned that the projects would generate employment and create new income avenues for thousands of families, especially in tribal and rural belts.
In his address, Dr. Saha credited the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for inspiring the state to walk confidently towards self-sufficiency. He described the Rs 969 crore investment as a milestone in fulfilling the dreams of “Atmanirbhar Tripura.” He explained that the funds would support farmers with cold storage facilities, feed plants, hatcheries, and modern veterinary services. He stressed the importance of technology in livestock management and said that digital monitoring tools would be introduced to track animal health, improve productivity, and minimize disease outbreaks.
The Chief Minister said the government has already initiated discussions with private stakeholders and cooperatives to ensure the effective rollout of the projects. He added that the administration would form local monitoring teams in every block to ensure that funds are used transparently and efficiently. He expressed confidence that Tripura would soon witness a boom in livestock production that could even surpass consumer demand.
Dr. Saha shared that Tripura consumes approximately 4.5 lakh liters of milk per day, while the state’s production currently falls short by more than 1.5 lakh liters. He pointed out that egg consumption exceeds one crore units per month, and local poultry farms contribute less than half that figure. Similarly, he said, while demand for fish is high across the state, local ponds and fisheries provide only around 60 percent of the requirement. The Rs 969 crore initiative seeks to bridge these gaps through capacity building and better farm-to-market networks.
The Chief Minister further said that the state would offer financial incentives to new entrepreneurs, especially youths, willing to start dairy, poultry, or fishery businesses. He said the government will organize training camps and provide access to loans with low interest rates under central and state-sponsored schemes. He also announced that a task force will track the performance of these projects quarterly, with data-driven assessments guiding future interventions.
Dr. Saha highlighted the importance of reducing food imports for the state’s long-term economic health. He said that money spent on bringing milk and meat from outside could instead be redirected toward developing local talent and improving living standards in Tripura’s villages. He concluded his address by calling on the people to take pride in their land’s potential and contribute to the effort of building a self-reliant state.
The state’s agriculture and animal husbandry departments have already begun preparations to implement the proposed schemes. Officials are conducting surveys to identify high-potential areas and to streamline beneficiary selection processes. Dr. Saha reaffirmed his government’s commitment to inclusive development and promised that every citizen will benefit from this ambitious initiative.
Tripura’s Rs 969 crore push toward self-reliance in animal and fishery products also carries ecological significance. Experts from the state’s agriculture and veterinary departments said the government intends to adopt sustainable farming practices throughout the initiative. They explained that organic feed, environment-friendly aquaculture, and waste management will be integral parts of the project rollout. The inclusion of solar-powered equipment in cold storage units and hatcheries is also under consideration to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs.
Officials also confirmed that the government will establish several model farms in different districts as part of the program. These model farms will serve as training hubs where farmers can learn best practices, use modern equipment, and witness the outcomes of advanced animal husbandry techniques. The state plans to link these farms to Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to ensure a steady flow of research-backed knowledge to field-level practitioners.
A large portion of the investment will go toward building rural infrastructure such as milk collection centers, mini-dairies, fish processing units, and mobile veterinary clinics. These centers will ensure that livestock owners in remote areas receive timely assistance. The state will also promote the creation of farmer producer organizations (FPOs) that can aggregate goods, negotiate better prices, and expand market access.
The education sector is also likely to benefit from the initiative. The government intends to collaborate with agricultural universities to introduce specialized courses on dairy technology, poultry farming, and aquaculture. Scholarships and internship opportunities will be provided to students interested in these fields, creating a strong knowledge base to sustain the sector’s growth over the next decade.