BackPioneering Broiler Rabbit Farming in Tripura: A Historic Initiative by ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar under the NEH Programme

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 ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar, Rajasthan, a renowned research institute in sheep and rabbit research, has launched a groundbreaking initiative to introduce broiler rabbits in Tripura under the NEH programme. This initiative addresses the high demand and cost of meat in Northeast India by promoting rabbit farming as a sustainable alternative. Rabbit meat, being high in protein, low in cholesterol, and suitable for organic farming, offers a viable option to meet the region's nutritional needs. Additionally, with limited landholding sizes in Tripura, integrated backyard rabbit farming combined with horticulture presents an alternative livelihood opportunity, particularly for women  in the northeastern states.

Photograph: Distribution of Rabbits, rabbit cages, rabbit feed and vegetables seeds

Unakoti. This unit would facilitate performance evaluation of rabbits through on-farm testing (OFT) and field-level demonstrations (FLD). The programme aligns with the goal of Viksit Bharat and aims to improve rural livelihoods sustainably.

In a historic first for ICAR-CSWRI, rabbits were transported over an unprecedented distance of approximately 3,000 km from Avikanagar to KVK Unakoti, Tripura. A welfare study was conducted to ensure the well-being of the animals during transit. The successful transport of 124 rabbits, representing five breeds—Soviet Chinchilla, New Zealand White, White Giant, Grey Giant, and Black Brown—without any mortality was a remarkable achievement, considering the hostile and prolonged journey. The transport was closely monitored by scientists Dr. R.S. Godara and Dr. Arvind Soni.

To support this initiative, 100 rabbit cages, 20 quintals of rabbit feed, and vegetable seeds for year-round production were distributed to 30 farmers. Each farmer received a set comprising three rabbits (two females and one male), three cages, 25 kg of feed, and vegetable seeds. Prior to distribution, the farmers participated in a comprehensive three-day training programme focused on “Integrated Rabbit-Based Organic Backyard Farming Systems.”

A demonstration unit was also established at KVK Unakoti to facilitate research, training, and on-farm testing of rabbits. The programme was implemented under the guidance of Director Dr. Arun Kumar Tomar and coordinated by Dr. R.S. Godara, NEH Nodal Officer, and Dr. Arvind Soni. Local support was provided by KVK Head (In-Charge) Dr. Biswajit Bal, Dr. Chandra Debbarma (SMS, Animal Science), and Dr. Ratan Das, who coordinated activities in Tripura.Tomar and Dr. Ranjeet Singh Godara for their vision and leadership in successfully executing this impactful programme