Agartala: Tripura’s ambitious livestock development strategy, which led to the birth of nearly 59,000 female calves, has fetched a prestigious award from the Centre for Innovations in Public Systems (CIPS), spotlighting the state’s advances in rural innovation.
In a formal communication dated April 28, 2025, Dr. Neeraj Kumar Chanchal, IFS, Chief Executive Officer of the Tripura Livestock Development Agency (TLDA) under the Animal Resource Development Department (ARDD), was informed that their project titled “Introduction of Sex Sorted Semen for Artificial Insemination in Cattle of selected AI pockets in Tripura State” has been selected for the “Awarding Innovations by CIPS” under the Rural Development Sector.
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Announcing the achievement, Tripura’s ARDD Minister Sudhangshu Das wrote on his social media, “Delighted to congratulate Director and entire team of ARDD, on receiving this year’s prestigious CIPS Innovation Award in the Rural Development Sector.”
“The dedication have made a remarkable impact. Kudos to the entire ARDD team for their hard work and commitment to progress,” he added.
The initiative, which uses sex-sorted frozen semen technology for artificial insemination, has resulted in the birth of 59,851 female calves across the state in the last five years. The project aims to increase the female cattle population, thereby enhancing milk production and dairy profitability for rural farmers—a goal that now seems within reach.
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The recognition by CIPS, an autonomous body under the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Hyderabad, is a testament to the innovative implementation and measurable impact of the project. In her letter, CIPS Director Dr. Valli Manickam congratulated the department and expressed hopes for continued excellence and further accolades in the future.
The achievement was made possible through the leadership of Tripura’s ARDD Minister Sudhangshu Das, and the dedicated efforts of ARDD Director Dr. Neeraj Kumar Chanchal, Secretary Deepa D. Nair and TLDA General Manager Dr. Sanjib Das.