Guwahati: The ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (ICAR-CSWRI) has launched an innovative broiler rabbit farming initiative in Tripura to revolutionize meat production in Northeast India. This project, part of the North Eastern Hill (NEH) programme, addresses the region’s rising meat demand while offering sustainable livelihood opportunities, especially for women farmers.
According to an ICAR report, the Northeast ranks among the country’s highest meat-consuming regions, with demand continually rising. This exerts immense pressure on livestock like pigs, goats, sheep, and poultry. Rabbits, as a complementary livestock option, can help alleviate this burden.
“Rabbit meat is high in protein, low in cholesterol, and aligns with organic farming practices, making it an ideal nutritional choice. Integrated backyard rabbit farming with horticulture fits well with the small landholdings typical in Tripura and offers a profitable model for rural households,” the ICAR report stated.
Rearing rabbits offers numerous advantages, including easy maintenance, a fast growth rate, and short generation intervals. Broiler rabbits, depending on breed and feed, can attain a market-ready weight of 1.8 to 2 kg within 90 days. They are prolific breeders, with a gestation period of 30 days and year-round breeding potential.
Marking the launch, 124 rabbits of five breeds—Soviet Chinchilla, New Zealand White, White Giant, Grey Giant, and Black Brown—were transported over 3,000 kilometers from ICAR-CSWRI’s headquarters in Avikanagar, Rajasthan, to ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Unakoti, Tripura. The journey adhered to strict welfare protocols, ensuring all rabbits arrived safely.
Thirty farmers were selected to pilot the initiative. Each received three rabbits (two females and one male), three cages, 25 kilograms of rabbit feed, and vegetable seeds. They also attended a three-day training program titled “Integrated Rabbit-Based Organic Backyard Farming Systems.”
A dedicated demonstration unit at ICAR-KVK Unakoti will support research, training, and on-farm testing to enhance rabbit performance. This facility will serve as a hub for farmers to adopt best practices and scale their operations.
The programme, implemented under the leadership of ICAR-CSWRI Director Dr. Arun Kumar Tomar and coordinated by NEH Nodal Officer Dr. R.S. Godara and Dr. Arvind Soni, received local support from KVK Head (In-Charge) Dr. Biswajit Bal, Dr. Chandra Debbarma (SMS, Animal Science), and Dr. Ratan Das.
This initiative is not just about meat production but also community empowerment, paving the way for a sustainable and self-reliant rural economy in Northeast India.
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