Meghalaya: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh to Kickstart Livestock Conclave in Shillong in January

SHILLONG: The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying, part of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (FAHD), has decided to host a pioneering conclave labeled "Dialogue for Holistic Development of Livestock Sector in North East India".

Scheduled for January 23 and 24, 2025, in Shillong, Meghalaya, the event intends to bring all stakeholders together to address the challenges and opportunities in the region's livestock and poultry sectors. The forum will discuss a roadmap towards sustainable growth by aligning it with government policies and regional requirements.

Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, will inaugurate the conclave as Chief Guest, sharing insights into government initiatives. Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for FAHD and Panchayati Raj, and Shri George Kurian, Minister of State for FAHD and Minority Affairs, will support him. Meghalaya Chief Minister Shri Conrad K. Sangma, along with ministers from Animal Husbandry & Dairy Development departments of other North Eastern Region (NER) states, will also be in attendance, underlining the region's commitment to holistic agricultural development.

A major highlight of the conclave will be the launch of several new projects aimed at benefiting the NER. Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) will be signed with industry players to attract investments in the livestock sector, fostering economic growth and regional development. These initiatives aim to strengthen value chains, enhance productivity, and promote innovation through public-private collaboration.

The event will also provide a platform to assess the current status and challenges in the livestock and poultry industries, especially in NER states. Key objectives include facilitating knowledge sharing, exploring technological advancements, and ensuring sustainable farming practices through the One Health approach. By focusing on inclusivity, capacity-building, and policy alignment, the conclave aims to equip farmers, entrepreneurs, and policymakers with the tools needed for growth and resilience in the sector.

Government flagship schemes such as the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) under the National Livestock Mission (NLM), Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), and National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) will be highlighted during the conclave. These programs emphasize productivity enhancement, sustainable livestock practices, and entrepreneurial development, aligning with the government’s vision for a robust agricultural economy.

Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), will lead the dialogue alongside senior officials and Principal Secretaries from the NER states. These will be scientists, NGOs, entrepreneurs, and private players from the livestock and poultry industries, as the different stakeholders express their expertise in forming a collaborative environment to tackle the regional challenges that lie ahead.

This conclave marks the commitment of the government towards sustainable and inclusive development of the livestock sector in the East. Solving all the critical issues and using innovative solutions, should unlock the hidden potential of the region that supports a prosperous and self-reliant livestock ecosystem. The outcomes are expected to influence policy-making, investment triggering, and the future course of direction of livestock farming in the North Eastern states for long-term growth and development.

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