Agartala: In a significant move to bolster rural livelihoods in tribal areas, the Animal Resources Development Department (ARDD), Government of Tripura, has launched a two-day interstate exposure visit. This initiative is part of the livelihood activities under the World Bank-assisted Tripura Rural Economic Growth and Service Delivery Project (TRESP).

The program focuses on empowering livestock farmers through skill enhancement and knowledge exchange, specifically targeting tribal-dominated regions to improve animal husbandry-based incomes.

Scientific Training at ICAR, Guwahati

A total of 23 members from various Livestock Producer Groups (PG) under the District Project Management Unit (DPMU), West Tripura, are participating in this specialized mission. The group departed for the ICAR–National Research Centre on Pig in Rani, Guwahati, Assam.

The primary focus of this training includes:

• Scientific Pig Rearing: Modern techniques for better yield.
• Advanced Goat Farming: Improving breed management and health.

The exposure visit is being supervised by Dr. Pallika Debbarma, Assistant Director, Animal Resources Development Department, who is serving as the Officer-in-Charge of the program.

Official Send-off and Expert Insights

The participants were officially seen off at Maharaja Bir Bikram (MBB) Airport, Agartala, by senior officials, including:

Dr. Rahul Dhar Purkayastha, Nodal Officer (PIU-ARDD), Dr. Sujoy Biswas, Program Manager (PIU-ARDD), Dr. Jaydeb Majumder, Livestock Specialist, TRESP Project Management Unit

During the send-off, officials emphasized the critical role of scientific breeding techniques, proper feed management, and disease control. They highlighted that adopting these modern practices is essential for increasing productivity and ensuring higher profit margins for rural farmers.

Strengthening the Livestock Value Chain

Through these exposure visits, the ARDD and TRESP aim to bridge the gap between traditional farming and modern technology. By providing hands-on experience and exposure to national-level research facilities, the project seeks to strengthen the livestock value chain in Tripura.

This initiative is expected to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for the tribal communities, ultimately contributing to the overall economic growth of the state.