Centre Pushes Fisheries, Dairy and Livestock Growth in Northeast with New Projects Worth ₹32 Crore

The event was attended by Union Minister of State Shri George Kurian, senior central government officials, state ministers, and stakeholders from across the Northeast.

The Government of India has intensified its focus on strengthening the fisheries, dairy, and livestock sectors in the Northeastern Region through a series of new development initiatives, infrastructure projects, and cooperative expansion programmes announced during the "Regional Review Meeting: Northeastern Region 2026" held in Aizawl, Mizoram.

The high-level regional review meeting was organised by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the chairmanship of Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, who also holds the Panchayati Raj portfolio. The event was attended by Union Minister of State Shri George Kurian, senior central government officials, state ministers, and stakeholders from across the Northeast.

Projects Worth ₹32 Crore Launched

During the event, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several fisheries-related projects worth approximately ₹32.15 crore under:

• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

• Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

The projects are aimed at strengthening a self-sustained fisheries ecosystem in the Northeastern states while improving infrastructure, productivity, market access, and livelihood opportunities for local communities.

The Minister also distributed Fisheries Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs), awards to fisheries startups, cooperatives, and beneficiaries, and interacted directly with stakeholders to understand challenges faced by the sector.

Northeast Holds Major Fisheries Potential

Addressing the meeting, Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasized the vast untapped fisheries potential of the Northeastern Region and called for coordinated efforts between states, stakeholders, and institutions to unlock long-term growth opportunities.

The Minister highlighted ornamental fisheries as a rapidly emerging export-oriented segment capable of generating employment and income for local communities. He stressed the need to strengthen the fisheries value chain through:

• Integrated aquaparks

• Cluster-based development

• Modern fish farming technologies

• Infrastructure expansion

• Digitisation initiatives

Officials noted that seven fisheries clusters have already been notified in the region to accelerate integrated development.

The Minister also highlighted the adoption of modern technologies such as Biofloc systems, digital integration through the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP), and the establishment of infrastructure projects including a ₹50 crore fish marketing centre approved in Mizoram.

He directed states to ensure timely implementation of projects through clear frameworks and structured timelines.

Dairy Cooperative Expansion Programme Launched

One of the major announcements during the review meeting was the launch of a Baseline Village Level Survey aimed at expanding the coverage of Multipurpose Dairy Cooperative Societies (MDCS) across Northeastern states.

The initiative seeks to strengthen dairy cooperatives and improve livelihood opportunities for rural dairy farmers in the region.

The event also witnessed the launch of:

• "Good Husbandry Practices in Pig Farming" booklet

• African Swine Fever (ASF) awareness film

The pig farming booklet provides guidance on:

• Scientific pig farming methods

• Disease prevention

• Improved productivity

• Sustainable livestock management practices

Meanwhile, the ASF awareness film aims to strengthen preparedness and coordinated disease-control measures across the Northeastern states, where pig farming plays a significant economic role.

Focus on Livestock and Dairy Self-Reliance

While chairing the regional review meeting, the Union Minister highlighted the immense potential of livestock and dairy sectors in boosting rural livelihoods and strengthening the regional economy.

He emphasized the importance of:

• Wider adoption of Artificial Insemination (AI) services

• Use of sex-sorted semen technologies

• Expansion of dairy infrastructure

• Strengthening dairy cooperatives

• Effective implementation of central schemes

• Disease control through vaccination drives

Rajiv Ranjan Singh stressed the need for timely project implementation and efficient utilization of central government funds to make the Northeastern Region self-reliant in livestock and dairy production.

Government Pushes Modern Scientific Technologies

Union Minister of State George Kurian highlighted the importance of adopting modern scientific technologies to improve fisheries productivity and sustainability.

He emphasized the need to strengthen:

• Logistics systems

• Cold chain infrastructure

• Market connectivity

• Value addition mechanisms

Kurian also praised the strong community-based ecosystem in the Northeast, especially the role played by women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs).

According to the Minister, leveraging these grassroots community structures and existing infrastructure can significantly accelerate regional development, promote export-oriented products, and strengthen the animal husbandry sector.

Centre Calls for Better Utilisation of Schemes

Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, urged Northeastern states to maximize the use of central government schemes and adopt standardised veterinary infrastructure and vaccination systems.

He also highlighted the importance of capital investments through the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme and informed participants that the department is exploring vaccine options for African Swine Fever.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, highlighted ongoing progress in grounding fisheries projects across the Northeast and stressed the importance of:

• Quality fish seed production

• Diversification

• Polyculture practices

• Capacity building

• Research and development support

• Reservoir and cage culture expansion

• Digitisation and private sector participation

State Governments Seek Revised PMMSY Costs

State Fisheries Ministers participating in the meeting highlighted various regional initiatives, including:

• Pond development projects

• Input support programmes

• Financial assistance schemes

• Youth entrepreneurship promotion

• Skill development efforts

• Integrated farming systems

Several states also requested revisions to PMMSY unit costs to better reflect the unique geographical and logistical challenges faced in the Northeastern region.

MULCO Dairy Visit Highlights Cooperative Success

Following the review meeting, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with other dignitaries, visited the MULCO Dairy facility in Mizoram.

The visit included:

• Inauguration of the Mizo Café

• Opening of the FPO Office-cum-Sale Outlet

• Launch of MULCO Cow Ghee

• Distribution of technical inputs to farmers

• Recognition of fisheries beneficiaries and cooperatives

The Minister emphasized the need for mission-mode expansion of dairy cooperatives and assured farmers that the Government of India and National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) remain committed to making the Northeastern Region self-sufficient in dairy production.

Northeast Emerging as Strategic Agri and Fisheries Hub

Experts believe the Northeast's rich biodiversity, water resources, livestock potential, and strong community participation make the region strategically important for India's future food security and agri-based economic growth.

The government's growing investments in fisheries, dairy, animal husbandry, logistics, disease control, and cooperative infrastructure are expected to generate employment, improve farmer incomes, and strengthen rural economies across the region.

Officials also noted that modernisation of the fisheries and livestock sectors can contribute significantly toward:

• Rural livelihood generation

• Women empowerment

• Export growth

• Nutritional security

• Sustainable agriculture

• Economic inclusion in the Northeast