SHILLONG: Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, inaugurated the "Conclave on Dialogue for Holistic Development of Livestock Sectors in the North-East Region" in Shillong on January 23, 2025. The event was attended by key government officials, ministers from North Eastern states, industry representatives, and other stakeholders.
During the conclave, the Union Minister launched several important projects, including 15 Entrepreneurship Development Projects under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) worth Rs. 10.93 crore. He also announced the establishment of a Regional Semen Production Laboratory and a Goat Semen Bank in Khanapara, with an investment of Rs. 337.29 lakh.
For Meghalaya, he inaugurated an Intensive Cattle Development Project and a Multiplier Pig Farm, with investments of Rs. 31.86 lakh and Rs. 10.23 crore, respectively. A new poultry song in the Khasi language to promote poultry farming was also launched.
In addition, a Development and Conservation Program for Siri Cattle in Sikkim was introduced, with an investment of Rs. 215.6 lakh. The event highlighted the successful piggery models from Assam and announced the establishment of an AI Training Centre focused on pigs in Tripura.
Minister Singh discussed the challenges facing the livestock sector in the North-East, such as limited infrastructure and communication gaps, particularly in piggery, poultry, and fodder production.
He emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to address these issues and promote sustainable growth. The minister also outlined plans to invest Rs. 250 crore to expand dairy infrastructure and onboard 70,000 new farmers into the cooperative network.
The conclave provided a platform for policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders to collaborate on the future growth of the livestock sector in the region, paving the way for new investments and development.
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