Push toward agricultural self-reliance, Tripura is set to receive Central government support to boost its milk and fish production. The development was confirmed on May 17, 2025, as part of a broader initiative to achieve self-sufficiency in essential nutritional resources. A high-level team from the Centre is expected to visit Tripura shortly to conduct a ground assessment and formulate tailored support strategies for the state’s dairy and fisheries sectors.
Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha has welcomed the move, stating that the support would empower local farmers and fisherfolk, reduce dependency on imports from other states, and improve the livelihoods of thousands of rural households. He emphasized that improving milk and fish output is vital not just for nutrition but also for economic development and employment generation.
The state currently meets only about 60% of its milk requirement and approximately 70% of its fish demand. With increasing urbanization and population growth, the demand-supply gap in these sectors has widened over the years. Tripura has had to rely heavily on imports from neighboring Assam and West Bengal to meet its needs, making it imperative to scale up local production.
Involvement Of Central Govt
The Central government’s involvement is expected to come through various schemes under the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, and the Department of Fisheries. These include subsidies for fodder development, genetic upgradation of dairy animals, modern storage and chilling infrastructure, and training for fish farmers in scientific aquaculture techniques.
Tripura Agriculture and Animal Resource Development Minister Sudhangshu Das confirmed that the visit by the Central team would include field inspections in Gomati, Sepahijala, and West Tripura districts. These areas have shown potential for dairy cooperatives and pond-based aquaculture. Local administrative bodies are already compiling data on current production, land availability, and farmer participation for submission to the visiting delegation.
In recent years, Tripura has made modest progress through its Mukhyamantri Unnoto Pashudhan Vikash Yojana and Matsya Sampada Yojana. But officials acknowledge that without major infrastructural investments and expert intervention, achieving self-sufficiency will remain a challenge. The state government hopes that the Central team’s visit will result in a roadmap for large-scale initiatives, such as milk collection centers, cold storage chains, fish feed units, and veterinary services.
Private dairy entrepreneurs and fishery cooperatives have also been encouraged to submit proposals for financial and technical assistance. Officials from the North Eastern Council are expected to participate in joint discussions, along with representatives from NABARD and the National Dairy Development Board.
Farmers and Youth See Opportunity in Sector Growth
The announcement has sparked hope among local farmers and unemployed youth looking for sustainable livelihoods. Many young entrepreneurs in districts like Dhalai and Khowai are now exploring possibilities of starting dairy farms or fish hatcheries under start-up assistance schemes. A youth from Karbook, who started fish farming on his family’s ancestral land last year, said the Centre’s support could “bring the right training, equipment, and funding needed to expand operations.”
Call for Timely Implementation For Fish & Milk
While the Central support is welcomed, experts caution that the success of the initiative will depend heavily on timely implementation and close coordination with local stakeholders. There is a call for creating village-level dairy and fishery committees to ensure transparency in fund allocation and project execution. Additionally, several NGOs working in the region have suggested regular monitoring to prevent leakages and to adapt plans as per local ecological conditions.
As Tripura prepares to host the Central delegation, the atmosphere is one of cautious optimism. With the promise of collaborative efforts between the state and the Centre, the dream of nutritional and economic self-reliance for thousands in Tripura may finally be within reach.
Tripura residents involved in dairy and fish production are encouraged to stay connected with local agriculture offices and cooperative societies for updates on eligibility, schemes, and upcoming training sessions related to this initiative.