Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying & Panchayati Raj, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh inaugurated the "Conclave on Dialogue for Holistic Development of Livestock Sectors in the North-East Region" held in Shillong, on January 23, 2025. The programme was also graced by Minister of State, Shri George Kurian, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, in the presence of Ministers of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services from North Eastern Region (NER) states, senior officials, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, and researchers and stakeholders.

Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched and inaugurated several significant projects during the conclave. These included 15 Entrepreneurship Development Projects (EDPs) under the National Livestock Mission (NLM), with a total value of ₹10.93 crore, and the establishment of four Fodder Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) facilitated by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). Additionally, a Regional Semen Production Laboratory and Goat Semen Bank were announced to be set up in Khanapara under the NLM, backed by an investment of ₹337.29 lakh. Shri Singh also highlighted that the NDDB would initiate a Baseline Village Survey to facilitate the formation of multipurpose dairy cooperative societies in Arunachal Pradesh, focusing on the Namsai, Lohit, and Lower Dibang Valley districts. Furthermore, it was announced that NDDB would work alongside Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura, among other states, to enhance the establishment of dairy cooperatives.

For the state of Meghalaya, he inaugurated the Intensive Cattle Development Project in Khliehtyrshi, Meghalaya, with an investment of ₹31.86 lakhs, and the Multiplier Pig Farm in Kyrdemkulai, Ri Bhoi District, at a cost of ₹10.23 crore. Additionally, a "Poultry Song" in the Khasi language, titled “Ka Kam Ri Syiar, Kyntiew Ka Ioh Ka Kot,” was launched to promote poultry farming in the region, along with the release of the Meghalaya Animal Administrative Report 2023-2024.

The conclave also underscored the launch of a Development and Conservation Program for Siri Cattle in Sikkim, which is supported by an investment of ₹215.6 lakh. A Regional AI Training Centre was established in Gangtok under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) at a cost of ₹450 lakh. The event showcased successful piggery models from entrepreneurs in Assam and also included the launch of an AI Training Centre focused on pigs at the Central Livestock Farm in Debipur, Tripura, which boasts a budget of ₹84 lakhs. In a bid to ensure quality breeding inputs at farmers' doorsteps, 15 MAITRI workers in Gangtok were equipped under the RGM. Finally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Transforming Rural India Foundation (TRIF) and the State Government of Assam to enhance convergence on awareness programs and provide technical assistance. An additional MoU was established for the handover of a Milk Processing Plant located at Ghungoor, Silchar, Assam, facilitated by the Directorate of Dairy Development, Government of Assam.

Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh informed that under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) and Infrastructure Support, 29 projects have been approved with a total investment of ₹240 crore which covers about 53 districts out of a total 131 districts in NER. He apprised about the proposed investments in NER. The Department plans to financially aid a sum ₹250 crore to expand dairy infrastructure, increase milk procurement capacity from 1.5 lakh liters/day to 3.5 lakh liters/day, and onboard 70,000 new farmers into the cooperative network.

He elaborated that the current challenges faced by the livestock and poultry sector in NER, need to be strengthened, the private industry has to be looped in for creating suitable infrastructure, and technological interventions with support from both central and state governments. In the conclave, an intent of a total ₹700 crore was proposed from various Private sectors like IB group which intends to invest approximately ₹200 crores in NER for the poultry and feed sector. Also, the Karnataka Poultry Federation has shown the intent to invest ₹250 crore in the NER for promoting sustainable growth in the Poultry sector. National Egg Coordination committee (NECC) indicated that they shall distribute Egg Carts to generate employment, and capacity building and promote egg consumption in the states. The Minister emphasised the piggery sector in NER and stated that 42.4 lakh pig population (46.42% of India’s total), valued at approximately ₹5,000 crore was highlighted as a major contributor to the regional economy. He encouraged a cluster-based approach and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to develop the sector into an export hub. Opportunities in the poultry sector were emphasised, with a focus on bridging demand-supply gaps and attracting private sector investments through PPPs, organised markets and cluster-based approaches. The Minister highlighted the importance of NLM Entrepreneurship Development Programme under which 245 projects have been approved in the NER, including 184 for piggery farming, 45 for goat farming, and 16 for poultry farming. He also apprised about the vaccination program stating that FMD Round IV vaccination, covering 74.95 lakh bovines with 86% coverage has been completed and Round I vaccination of CSF has been initiated in Mizoram, with 18.10 lakh doses administered across the NER. Under the MVU scheme, 295 units are operational in the region, ensuring quality doorstep veterinary care.

Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh stated that the geographical and climatic conditions of NER are unique posing challenges in the livestock sector, especially piggery, poultry and fodder sectors. He expressed his concern over the low per capita average of milk and egg over the national average and submitted that NER should take steps to achieve self-sufficiency. He urged the state governments of NER to create a single window to facilitate the private sector's investment and strengthen the livestock sector. He extended his gratitude to the Meghalaya government, and stakeholders for hosting the conclave. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and emphasized the Astalaxmi vision for the NER, urging stakeholders to commit to the sector’s growth for national prosperity.

The conclave featured engaging technical sessions on the piggery, dairy, poultry and fodder production sectors, alongside an Industry-Government Dialogue on unlocking investment opportunities in the livestock sector. Stakeholders deliberated on addressing supply gaps, fostering innovation, and enhancing the regional value chain.

Shri A T Mondal, Minister of Community & Rural Development, Power & Taxation, Government of Meghalaya represented the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, and it was said that the state of Meghalaya has a typical geographical and climatic condition, however, there is a tremendous potential for development of livestock. He said that livestock farming has become a primary profession these days and informed that the state has developed a ten-year roadmap for the development of livestock of the state. In her address, Smt. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, DAHD, highlighted the economic significance of the livestock sector as a sunrise sector in the nation and in the NER, stressing the importance of market linkages, infrastructure development, and a data-driven approach to make the region a model for livestock development. Shri C. Lalsawivunga, Minister (AH&V), Mizoram, Shri Sudhanshu Das, Minister (ARD), Tripura, Shri Alexander L Hek, Minister (AHV&DD), Meghalaya, Chief Secretary Meghalaya also graced the occasion.

The conclave successfully fostered collaboration among policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders, setting the stage for transformative growth in the livestock sector of the North-East Region.

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