ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute launched a ground-breaking initiative to introduce broiler rabbits in Tripura under the NEH programme. The 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.
Before this initiative, a farmer-scientist interface meeting was held in Tripura. Responding to the farmers’ requests, Dr Arun Kumar Tomar, Director, ICAR-CSWRI, decided to set up a demonstration unit at the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Unakoti. The unit will support the performance evaluation of rabbits through on-farm testing (OFT) and field-level demonstrations (FLD). The programme aligns with the Viksit Bharat vision and seeks to enhance rural livelihoods sustainably.
In a historic first for ICAR-CSWRI, 124 rabbits were transported a remarkable distance of around 3,000 km from Avikanagar to ICAR-KVK Unakoti in Tripura. A welfare study was conducted to ensure the animals’ well-being during transit. The successful transport, which included five breeds—Soviet Chinchilla, New Zealand White, White Giant, Grey Giant, and Black Brown—was a significant achievement, with no fatalities despite the challenging and lengthy journey.
To support the initiative, 100 rabbit cages, 20 quintals of rabbit feed, and vegetable seeds for year-round production were provided to 30 farmers. Each farmer received a package that included three rabbits (two females and one male), three cages, 25 kg of feed, and vegetable seeds. Before the distribution, the farmers took part in an extensive three-day training programme on “Integrated Rabbit-Based Organic Backyard Farming Systems.”
A demonstration unit was also established at ICAR-KVK, Unakoti, to facilitate research, training, and on-farm testing of rabbits.
