Centre announces initiatives for strengthening fisheries, dairy, livestock in northeast

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced a series of initiatives to strengthen fisheries, dairy, and livestock development in the northeastern states, including a Rs 50-crore fish marketing centre in Mizoram.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Monday chaired a regional review meeting of all eight northeastern states here and announced a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening fisheries, dairy and livestock development across the region.

He also announced approval for a Rs 50-crore fish marketing centre in Mizoram, an official statement said.

The meeting brought together ministers and officials from all the northeastern states to review the implementation of central schemes and assess progress in the fisheries, animal husbandry and dairy sectors.

Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying George Kurian, senior officials from the Centre and state governments, representatives of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) also attended the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Singh said fisheries, animal husbandry and dairy development could significantly boost the northeast's economy and improve livelihoods across the region.

Reiterating the Centre's commitment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the region's development, Singh said the central government is committed to doing everything possible to realise that vision.

He highlighted various initiatives launched under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the Blue Revolution, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PM-MSY).

He said that owing to these initiatives, fish production in the northeastern region has increased from 3.78 lakh tonne in 2014 to 7.05 lakh tonne in 2025.

He further stated that the Centre had provided Rs 2,228 crore to northeastern states between 2014 and 2025 for fisheries development.

Assam received the highest allocation at Rs 614.11 crore, followed by Tripura with Rs 322.23 crore. Mizoram received Rs 246.79 crore during the period, he said.

The Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying minister also announced that four of the 11 proposed integrated Aquaparks in India would be established in the northeast.

Referring to the recent inauguration of India's first integrated Aquapark at Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh, he asked Mizoram to submit a Detailed Project Report and complete land formalities for setting up a similar facility in the state.

In a major announcement for Mizoram, the minister said the Centre had approved the state government's proposal to establish a fish marketing centre worth Rs 50 crore.

He further highlighted the northeast's potential in ornamental fisheries, coldwater fisheries and inland fisheries, and said the Centre plans to develop eight notified fish farming clusters in the region, modernise the National Fisheries Development Board facility in Assam and digitally onboard fish farmers.

Singh also said the government was prepared to invest Rs 200–300 crore in the northeast under Mission Amrit Sarovar.

He added that senior officials from the NDDB, NFDB and the central ministry would visit northeastern states after the monsoon season to assess sectoral needs and opportunities on the ground.

On animal husbandry, the Union minister said that the northeastern states had achieved growth of 37 per cent in milk production, 40 per cent in egg production and 15 per cent in meat production.

However, he urged the states to intensify efforts by strengthening cooperatives, expanding artificial insemination services, improving infrastructure and promoting technology adoption and capacity building.

He also announced plans to establish an NDDB regional office in Guwahati and said the Centre was working towards developing vaccines to prevent livestock diseases.

Union minister of state George Kurian also said the ministry was focused on improving livelihoods, empowering women and promoting entrepreneurship in the northeast.

He encouraged the states to become self-reliant and promote locally produced goods instead of depending heavily on external supplies.

During the meeting, ministers from northeastern states presented achievements, future plans and common challenges in fisheries, dairy and livestock sectors, according to the statement.

Key concerns raised included youth training, cold-chain infrastructure, digital deployment, infrastructure development and timely release of funds, it said.