SHILLONG: Meghalaya, Shillong had the honour of hosting a major conference recently, held by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in association with the North Eastern Council and the Ministry of DoNER. The two-day conference, which started on February 28, was centred around the development of poultry and livestock in the region, bringing together experts, policymakers, and industry professionals to discuss opportunities for growth.
The conference began with an opening address by Mr. Larsing M. Sawyan, Co-Chairman of the Meghalaya State Committee of the ICC, and a keynote address by Mr. M. Iboyaima Meitei, Adviser (Horticulture) in the NEC. Other dignitaries present were Dr. Bibeka Nanda Saikia, Dean, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agriculture University, and Mr. S. C. Sadhu, IAS, Secretary Animal Husbandry & Veterinary to the Government of Meghalaya.
Major discussions were on improvement in breeding methods, disease control, and creation of market linkage for the purposes of ensuring sustainable growth and enhancing rural livelihoods. Mr. Meitei unveiled the NEC's Vision 2047 of achieving self-sufficiency in milk, egg, and fish production, while Dr. Saikia stressed technical interventions for sectoral development.
The conference brought together over 150 participants including farmers, entrepreneurs, and government officials in an interactive forum to exchange challenges and opportunities of the poultry and livestock sectors of Northeast India. Stakeholders have proposed a variety of initiatives such as the establishment of a particular dairy policy and the initiation of Rashtriya Gokul Mission in order to enhance the potential of the industry.
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