CM inaugurates Lab Expansion at Veterinary College, Highlights Livestock's role in rural economy

Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha attended the 17th Foundation Day celebration of the College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry at RK Nagar, West Tripura on Thursday. 

The event also marked the inauguration of the college’s vertical extension and strengthening of laboratory infrastructure. Minister for ARDD and Fisheries Sudhangshu Das, West Tripura Zilla Parishad Sabhadhipati, MLA Ratan Chakraborty, the college principal, and other dignitaries were present.

In his address, Dr. Saha emphasized the importance of maintaining ecological balance, noting that all living beings are interdependent. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s slogan “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” as a guiding principle for inclusive development. He also remarked that veterinary science is even more complex than human science, requiring students to dedicate themselves to rigorous study.

The Chief Minister acknowledged existing gaps in the department, particularly the shortage of faculty, and assured that he has already directed urgent recruitment to address this issue.

He stressed that livestock is deeply connected to rural economic growth, and improving rural livelihoods will directly contribute to the state’s overall development.

Dr. Saha shared that the college has received a Letter of Permission from the Veterinary Council of India, and with improved hostel facilities and incoming EC funds, full recognition is expected soon. 

He highlighted Tripura’s strong performance in livestock production: Tripura ranks first in per capita egg availability in the Northeast. The state holds second position in milk production. Also, Tripura has achieved self-sufficiency in meat production.

He outlined the government’s goal to achieve self-sufficiency in all livestock products and mentioned several ongoing schemes:

1. Mukhymantri Unnata Godhan Prakalp- aimed at making Tripura self-sufficient in milk production by ensuring that more cows are born through selective chromosome selection.  

2. Pashupalak Samman Nidhi, offering Rs 6,000 annual financial support to over 8,000 beneficiary families between 2023–24 and 2025–26.

3. Green Fodder Development Scheme, cultivating fodder on 286 hectares.

4. Livestock Development Mission, distributing ducks, chickens, and pigs to farmers.

5. Allocation of Rs 4.5 crore for 55 new Mobile Veterinary Units (MVUs) in FY 2025–26.

6. Gomati Diary Unit in Bamutia, West Tripura, with a processing capacity of 40,000 litres of milk per day, that was inaugurated in May, 2025, among others.

The Chief Minister urged faculty, officials, and students to work together to transform the college into a centre of excellence in veterinary education and research.

Minister Sudhangshu Das, in his remarks, called the inauguration of the extended laboratories a major milestone that will enhance research, academic quality, and innovation in veterinary science, ultimately strengthening animal health and allied sectors across Tripura.