Agartala, Nov 11, 2022, TRIPURATIMES Desk
Agartala Nov 11: The Animal Resource Development plays a key role in enhancing the rural economy. Besides, the veterinary infrastructure in the state has changed drastically in the past 4.5 years.
It has been possible to increase the income of 75% of the population by expanding the activities of the department with proper planning and various schemes introduced by the state and central government.
B S Mishra, Principal Secretary, ARD Department detailed the various achievements of the department and decisions taken amid a press conference at the civil secretariat here on Friday.
Addressing the press, Mishra said, “Around six lakh families have been given assistance for livelihood under Mukhyamantri Swanirbhar Parivar Yojana from 2020-21 to 2022-23”.
“Besides, it has been further decided to provide, piglets to 5,800 families, goats to 2900 families, ducklings to 8,091 families, chicken to 24,269 families at a cost of Rs 11.34 Crore under ‘Mukhyamantri Swanirbhar Parivar Yojana’ in a bid to make them self-reliant”.
Also, 200 tribal women beneficiaries across the state will be provided 30 ducklings, duck food, medicines and all other necessary equipments for rearing completely free of cost under “Backyard Duck Rearing Project”.
For this a total of Rs 60 lakh will be spent by the government.
The principal secretary to the ARD Department added that “Backyard Duck Rearing Project” has played a major role in women empowerment in the state.
Talking about the National Animal Disease Control Program (NADCP), Mishra said, “To protect livestock and their wealth by extensive veterinary health coverage the ARD department has launched extensive vaccination campaign”.
To secure the cattle and livestock from Foot and Mouth Disease the 1st phase Vaccination started from September 2020.
“In the current phase vaccination of cattle started from July 21, 2022 with a target of 7,46,162 vaccines. Trained vaccinators have been appointed for the work across the state who are proved Rs 23 per vaccination. Till date 3, 22, 710 vaccine doses have been provided for Foot and Mouth Disease in cattle. Besides, 10,005 calves have been provided Brucellosis vaccine”, he added.
The department also announced huge achievement in “Mukhyamantri Unnoto Godhan Prakalp” in the state adding that the state of Tripura is now self sufficient in milk production and also more cows are born through selective chromosome selection.
The Animal Husbandry and Livestock sector is now an integral part of nutritional requirement and rural economy of the state. The Department of ARD is entrusted with the responsibilities of all aspects of livestock and poultry development, augmentation of Milk, Meat & egg production, Animal Health care including prevention of animal diseases and creation of infrastructure and human resource. The department is also providing required scientific training, extension and expertise support to livestock and poultry farmers/ producers to create sustainable livelihood opportunities and self employment avenues in the whole state, particularly in rural areas.