Tripura's Livelihood Development Program Focuses on Livestock to Boost Farmers' Income

Agartala, Dec 19, 2024, By Our Correspondent

 In a significant move to enhance livelihood opportunities for farmers in Tripura, the ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) Eastern Regional Station at Kalyani, in collaboration with Bagma Agri Producer Company Limited (BAPCL), conducted an interaction and field visit program aimed at promoting livestock development in the state. This initiative is part of the North Eastern Hill (NEH) Project under the NDRI component, designed to support the agricultural community through the distribution of livestock inputs.The event, which took place in the Gomati district of Tripura, saw active participation of Principal Scientists from the ICAR-NDRI, including Dr. S.K. Das, Dr. D.K. Mandal, and Dr. Anupam Chatterjee and dignitaries, including Rampada Jamatiya, MLA of Killa Constituency, Dr. Farukul Islam, CEO of BAPCL, Sudip Majumder, MD of BAPCL, and Dr. Afsana Sarkar. The scientists from ICAR NDRI interacted with local farmers and provided valuable insights into sustainable livestock practices.As part of the program, 119 farmers from the region were provided with essential inputs, including chicks, ducklings, animal feed, mineral mixtures, and other livestock resources. These inputs are intended to help the farmers kick start or expand their livelihoods through agri-allied activities, particularly in the field of animal husbandry.The dignitaries at the event underlined the significance of livestock development in Tripura, especially given the state's landholding pattern, where most farmers are considered marginal due to small land sizes. In this context, livelihood diversification through livestock activities is seen as a promising avenue to increase farmers’ income and ensure their financial stability.The livestock development program is seen as a crucial intervention to build resilience in Tripura’s farming communities. The challenges posed by climate change, soil degradation, and limited agricultural productivity make it imperative to look beyond traditional farming methods. Through the support of livestock resources and training, the government and associated agencies aim to equip farmers with the skills and resources needed to thrive despite these challenges.In his address, Rampada Jamatiya, the MLA of Killa Constituency, expressed his support for such initiatives, noting that empowering farmers with the right tools and knowledge is essential for the overall development of the state. He also highlighted the importance of collaborations between government agencies, research institutions, and private companies like BAPCL in bringing about positive change in the agricultural landscape of Tripura