Agartala, Sep 16: Tripura’s Animal Resource Development Minister, Sudhangshu Das, on Tuesday addressed the Annual Review Meeting (2024–25) of the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Piggery, held at Pragna Bhavan, Agartala. The event brought together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening piggery as a key driver of nutrition and rural livelihoods.
In his address, Minister Das underscored that the piggery sector is central to Tripura’s economic and social development. “This sector not only meets the dietary needs of our people but also provides a sustainable source of income for thousands of farmers,” he said. He highlighted that in Tripura, where 98 per cent of the population consumes non-vegetarian food, the demand for pig meat is naturally high. With over 37 per cent of the state’s farmers engaged in piggery, the sector has evolved into a dependable livelihood option.
Calling pig farming both economically viable and socially impactful, Das noted that the practice requires relatively low investment but delivers substantial returns. He encouraged youth to embrace piggery as a promising career path that fosters entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
The minister also spotlighted initiatives at the Devipur Government Pig Farm, where efforts are underway to develop high-yielding pig breeds. These innovations, he said, are designed to enhance productivity, increase farmers’ incomes, and ensure wider availability of nutritious pork products in the state.
“As Tripura continues to invest in agricultural innovation and rural development, piggery stands out as a sector with immense potential to uplift communities and drive inclusive growth,” Das remarked, emphasizing the dual benefits of nutritional security and rural empowerment.
The review meeting featured wide-ranging discussions on improving pig farming and rearing practices, with experts focusing on both scientific and economic dimensions of the sector. Delegates stressed the need for capacity-building, modern breeding techniques, and better market linkages to maximise the sector’s impact.
Minister Das thanked the AICRP organizers for choosing Tripura as the host state, noting that the decision reflects the growing importance of the Northeast in India’s livestock and agricultural development landscape.
