Shillong: Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying & Panchayati Raj, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, inaugurated the “Conclave on Dialogue for Holistic Development of Livestock Sectors in the North-East Region” in Shillong today. The event, attended by Minister of State George Kurian, Ministers of Animal Husbandry from various North Eastern Region (NER) states, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, researchers, and senior officials, focused on addressing challenges and unlocking opportunities in the livestock sector.
Singh announced several transformative projects during the conclave. Among the highlights was the launch of 15 Entrepreneurship Development Projects (EDPs) under the National Livestock Mission (NLM), with a total value of ₹10.93 crore. He also inaugurated four Fodder Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), established with the support of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). 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.
In Arunachal Pradesh, the NDDB will undertake a Baseline Village Survey to facilitate the formation of multipurpose dairy cooperative societies, with a focus on the Namsai, Lohit, and Lower Dibang Valley districts. Singh also revealed that NDDB would collaborate with states including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura to strengthen dairy cooperatives and expand their reach.
For the state of Meghalaya, the Union Minister inaugurated the Intensive Cattle Development Project in Khliehtyrshi, funded at ₹31.86 lakh, and the Multiplier Pig Farm in Kyrdemkulai, Ri Bhoi District, built 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. He also unveiled the Meghalaya Animal Administrative Report 2023-2024.
The conclave also witnessed the announcement of a Development and Conservation Program for Siri Cattle in Sikkim, with an investment of ₹215.6 lakh. A Regional Artificial Insemination (AI) Training Centre was established in Gangtok under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), costing ₹450 lakh. In Tripura, an AI Training Centre for pigs was launched at the Central Livestock Farm in Debipur, supported by a budget of ₹84 lakh. Fifteen MAITRI workers were equipped under the RGM in Gangtok to ensure quality breeding inputs at farmers’ doorsteps.
Singh signed two key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) at the event. The first, with the Transforming Rural India Foundation (TRIF) and the Government of Assam, will enhance convergence on awareness programs and provide technical assistance. The second MoU marked the transfer of a Milk Processing Plant in Ghungoor, Silchar, Assam, facilitated by the Directorate of Dairy Development, Government of Assam.
The Union Minister also highlighted significant investments under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), with 29 projects approved for the NER, totaling ₹240 crore. These projects will cover 53 districts across the region. Plans to invest ₹250 crore to expand dairy infrastructure in the region were announced, with the goal of increasing milk procurement capacity from 1.5 lakh liters per day to 3.5 lakh liters per day and onboarding 70,000 additional farmers into cooperative networks.
The private sector’s involvement was a focal point of the conclave. Singh revealed that the IB Group intends to invest ₹200 crore in the poultry and feed sector, while the Karnataka Poultry Federation has committed ₹250 crore for sustainable growth in the region’s poultry industry. The National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) will distribute egg carts to create employment opportunities and promote egg consumption.
Singh emphasized the importance of the piggery sector, noting that the NER accounts for 46.42% of India’s pig population, valued at approximately ₹5,000 crore. He urged the adoption of a cluster-based approach and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to transform the region into a hub for pig exports. He also called for addressing demand-supply gaps in the poultry sector by attracting private investment and fostering organized markets.
The Minister underscored the achievements of the NLM Entrepreneurship Development Programme, which has approved 245 projects in the NER, including 184 for piggery farming, 45 for goat farming, and 16 for poultry farming. He also outlined the progress of vaccination programs, noting that 74.95 lakh bovines have been vaccinated under the FMD Round IV initiative, while 18.10 lakh doses of CSF vaccination have been administered in Mizoram.
Singh acknowledged the unique geographical and climatic challenges of the NER, which impact livestock farming. He stressed the need for single-window systems to attract private investments and urged state governments to strengthen the sector. Expressing gratitude to the Government of Meghalaya and other stakeholders, Singh reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and the Astalaxmi vision for the NER. He called upon stakeholders to contribute to the region’s livestock sector growth for national prosperity.
The conclave also featured technical sessions on piggery, dairy, poultry, and fodder production, alongside an Industry-Government Dialogue to explore investment opportunities. Stakeholders deliberated on ways to address supply gaps, foster innovation, and strengthen the regional value chain.
Meghalaya’s Minister of Community & Rural Development, Power & Taxation, A. T. Mondal, representing the Chief Minister, highlighted the state’s potential in livestock farming despite its challenging geography. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, described the livestock sector as a sunrise industry for the NER and emphasized the importance of market linkages, infrastructure development, and data-driven approaches.
