BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 18th June 2025: In a significant step toward strengthening veterinary infrastructure in Tripura, Animal Resource Development Minister Sudhangshu Das on Wednesday inaugurated the Khowai District Veterinary Hospital constructed at a cost of ₹1.18 crore under the ARDD project. The facility is located along the National Highway near West Singi.
Minister Das was accompanied by Assembly Chief Whip Kalyani Roy, MLA Pinaki Das Chowdhury, Khowai Zilla Parishad Sabhadipati Aparna Singh Roy, Panchayat Samiti Chairman Tinku Bhattacharjee and other senior officials and veterinary staff.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Das stated, “This hospital will commence operations as a full-fledged district animal hospital from tomorrow. It will provide crucial medical services to the livestock of the region, greatly benefiting animal husbandry practices in Khowai.”
Outlining the department’s priorities, the minister elaborated, “We focus on three aspects—preventive care, treatment, and support for income generation. Vaccinations are conducted year-round to prevent disease outbreaks, and advanced treatment facilities like X-ray and sonography will soon be made available here.”
He also emphasized the role of animal husbandry in rural empowerment. “The state and central governments are jointly implementing various schemes to support livestock farmers. Be it poultry, piggery, or dairy farming—such ventures not only boost household incomes but also create employment opportunities for educated youth,” said Das.
Highlighting recent initiatives, the minister shared that artificial insemination is being promoted to enhance milk production. “Farmers only pay ₹25 for the straw used in breeding, and receive over ₹4,500 annually to care for each calf,” he added.
Speaking on government support for young entrepreneurs, he noted, “If an unemployed youth takes up animal farming and seeks a ₹1 crore loan, our department provides a 50% subsidy. Many have already started earning lakhs annually through these ventures.”
Although progress has been made, Das acknowledged that Tripura still lags in fish farming and milk production. “We are working on plans to improve these sectors. I believe the state will become self-sufficient in the near future,” he said.
The minister concluded his visit with a tour of the hospital facilities and observed a live demonstration of livestock tagging.
