The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying organized a ‘Regional Review Meeting: Northeastern Region 2026’ in Aizawl, Mizoram, under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Union Minister, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in the gracious presence of Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State, MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs.

       

Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, inaugurated and laid the foundation of key projects worth about ₹32.15 crore under PMMSY and FIDF, underscoring the Government’s commitment to strengthening a self‑sustained fisheries sector in the North Eastern Region. The Minister also distributed Fisheries KCC cards and awards to beneficiaries, including best fisheries start‑ups and cooperatives, and interacted with them to understand challenges and extend further support.

     

The Union Minister called for a coordinated effort by States and stakeholders to unlock the fisheries potential of the Northeastern Region, highlighting opportunities in ornamental fisheries, emerging as a key driver of exports. He emphasised strengthening the value chain through integrated aquaparks and cluster development, with seven clusters already notified. He noted the strong growth in fisheries production in the North Eastern Region and emphasised aquaparks, cluster development, and modern technologies such as Biofloc, along with digitisation through NFDP and infrastructure development including the ₹50 crore fish marketing centre approved in Mizoram, while directing States to ensure timely implementation through clear frameworks and timelines.

The “Regional Review Meeting for North East Region” witnessed the launch of the Baseline Village Level Survey for expanding the coverage of Multipurpose Dairy Cooperative Societies (MDCS) aimed at strengthening dairy cooperatives and enhancing livelihood opportunities for rural dairy farmers across the North Eastern States. The survey, along with the booklet titled “Good Husbandry Practices in Pig Farming” and the African Swine Fever (ASF) Awareness Film, was launched by Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India. The booklet provides guidance on scientific pig farming, improved productivity, disease prevention, modern management practices, and sustainable livelihoods for farmers. The ASF Film promotes awareness, preparedness, and coordinated efforts for the prevention and control of ASF in the North Eastern Region.

Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, while chairing the Regional Review Meeting in Aizawl, highlighted the vast potential of the livestock and dairy sector in the North Eastern Region for boosting rural livelihoods and the regional economy. He emphasized wider adoption of Artificial Insemination and Sex-Sorted Semen technologies, strengthening dairy infrastructure and cooperatives, effective implementation of government schemes, and disease control through vaccination drives. He also stressed timely project implementation, efficient utilization of central funds, and collective efforts towards making the region self-reliant in the livestock and dairy sector.

Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, GoI, emphasised the need to adopt modern scientific technologies to enhance fisheries productivity and sustainability, while also stressing the importance of strengthening logistics, cold chain and market connectivity to improve value realisation.

Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, highlighted the strong community-driven ecosystem in the North Eastern States, especially the active role of women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs). He emphasized that effective utilization of these community networks and existing infrastructure can significantly strengthen the animal husbandry sector, promote export-oriented products and accelerate regional development in the Northeast.

Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, DAH&D, Government of India, in his keynote address, emphasized effective restructuring and maximum utilization of departmental schemes by the North Eastern States. He urged States to adopt DAHD’s standards for veterinary infrastructure, vaccination, and artificial insemination, while also highlighting the importance of capital investment through the SASCI scheme. He further informed that the Department is exploring vaccine options for African Swine Fever (ASF).

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, highlighted the progress in grounding fisheries projects in the North Eastern Region and emphasised addressing regional constraints through rationalised cost norms. He underscored the importance of quality seed, diversification, and polyculture, along with stronger ICAR support for R&D. He stressed quality seed, diversification, capacity building and value addition, while highlighting the role of reservoirs, cage culture, digitisation and private participation in accelerating sustainable growth and export potential.

The State Fisheries Ministers highlighted key initiatives including pond development, input support and financial assistance, while emphasising the potential of ornamental fisheries and need to promote youth entrepreneurship. They also called for boosting integrated farming, strengthening skills and infrastructure, and revising PMMSY unit costs to better reflect regional needs.

Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary (Cattle & Dairy), DAH&D, Government of India, highlighted key initiatives including the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Programme for Dairy Development, National Livestock Mission, Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund, and Livestock Health & Disease Control Programme. She also urged North Eastern States to utilize support under the SASCI scheme for strengthening infrastructure and boosting growth in the animal husbandry and dairying sector.

Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries GoI, presented the achievements and roadmap for the fisheries sector in the Northeastern Region, highlighting an investment of about ₹2,228 crore under various schemes and outlining key priorities for productivity enhancement, value chain development and sustainable growth. Dr. Bijay Kumar Behra, Chief Executive, NFDB, delivered the vote of thanks, effectively bringing the session to a close.

Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with Hon’ble MoS and dignitaries, visited MULCO Dairy after the NER Regional Review Meeting. The visit featured the inauguration of the Mizo Café and FPO Office-cum-Sale Outlet, launch of MULCO Cow Ghee, distribution of technical inputs to farmers, and recognition of fisheries beneficiaries, FFPOs, and cooperatives, showcasing grassroots success stories from the region.

In his address, the Union Minister emphasized campaign‑mode AI services and use of sex‑sorted semen to enhance high‑yield cattle population, while announcing mission‑mode creation of Dairy Cooperatives with dedicated timelines. He assured farmers of Mizoram that the Department and NDDB are committed to making the North Eastern Region self‑sufficient in dairy, extending full support to achieve these targets. The initiatives mark a significant step in strengthening cooperatives, boosting productivity, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for farmers in Mizoram and across the NER.

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JP

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