The Animal Resources Development Department has hosted a state-level seminar on "Pig Diseases with Special Reference to Classical Swine Fever" at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala on Tuesday.

 Minister of Animal Resources Development, SC Welfare & Fisheries, Sudhangshu Das was the Chief Guest and Inaugurator. In his address, Minister Sudhangshu Das called for creating job opportunities through pig farming to strengthen the rural economy of the state. Among the prominent speakers, Vijay Sardana, Agri-business expert and Supreme Court Advocate, shared insights on pork-based marketing strategies, with a particular focus on Tripura. Dr. S.S. Patil, Principal Scientist at NIVEDI, Bengaluru, stressed the importance of routine vaccination and continuous disease surveillance to control Classical Swine Fever in the region.

Dr. N.N. Barman, Professor at the College of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Khanapara, Guwahati, highlighted the North Eastern Region as a hub for emerging and non-emerging livestock diseases, advocating for the establishment of modern disease diagnostic centers in the area. Dr. Arnab Sen, Principal Scientist from West Bengal, discussed strategies to control Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) and Porcine Circovirus Type2 in the North Eastern region.

Smt. Deepa D. Nair, IFS, Secretary of the Animal Resources Development Department of Tripura government, emphasized the need for scientific, skilful, and climate-resilient practices to advance the piggery sector in the state. Dr. N.K. Chanchal, IFS, Addl. Secretary & Director of ARDD, delivered the welcome address. The seminar also featured the recognition of the Pig Breeding Farm in Jalefa, South Tripura, for its outstanding pig management and production. The one-day seminar, sponsored by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Govt. of India, saw nearly 200 veterinary officers and senior department officials participate with keen interest.