The Tripura government has drawn up an ambitious five-year plan to boost milk, meat and egg production, achieve greater self-sufficiency in the livestock sector and create new livelihood opportunities in rural areas, Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD) Minister Sudhangshu Das said in the Assembly on Friday.

The minister said the roadmap has been prepared with a focus on strengthening the rural economy and creating employment opportunities for unemployed youth and women.

According to Das, milk production remains a key priority. Tripura currently ranks second in the Northeast in terms of per-capita milk availability. To increase production and move towards self-sufficiency, the department is promoting artificial insemination, better nutrition for calves, improved veterinary care and disease-control measures.

The government is also working to introduce improved dairy breeds, expand cattle insurance coverage and modernise milk-processing infrastructure, he said.

The meat sector, meanwhile, has already achieved self-sufficiency in Tripura, with the state ranking second in the Northeast in per-capita availability. The department plans to further raise production by promoting artificial insemination in pigs and distributing pigs and goats under various government schemes.

Das said livestock farmers are also being provided financial security through insurance initiatives. A World Bank-supported project is currently underway, while efforts are being made to provide veterinary services at farmers’ doorsteps. Special measures are also being taken to ensure safer and more hygienic meat production.

The poultry sector is another major focus of the five-year strategy. Tripura currently leads the Northeast in per-capita egg availability, according to the minister. To further increase production, the government is distributing improved poultry and duck breeds, upgrading government farms and constructing brooder houses.

Financial assistance through banks is also being facilitated to encourage private entrepreneurs to establish large commercial poultry farms. Veterinary and disease-prevention systems will also be strengthened, Das said.

The minister said the ultimate objective is to make Tripura self-sufficient in milk, meat and eggs while creating sustainable sources of income for rural households.

The department will also work towards expanding the export of livestock and animal products to other northeastern states and other parts of the country.

Das said the initiatives are expected to contribute not only to food security but also to women’s empowerment, employment generation and the overall development of Tripura’s rural economy.