In a bid to transform the livestock and poultry sector in Northeast India, a two-day conclave titled “Dialogue for Holistic Development of the Livestock Sector in Northeast India” is set to take place in Shillong, Meghalaya, on January 23-24, 2025. The event, organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (FAHD), promises to be a milestone gathering for the region’s agricultural and livestock community.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, overseeing FAHD and Panchayati Raj, will inaugurate the conclave as the Chief Guest. Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for FAHD; George Kurian, Minister of State for FAHD and Minority Affairs; and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma are among the dignitaries set to attend.
The conclave aims to bring together diverse stakeholders, including farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and private sector leaders, to deliberate on strategies for sustainable growth in the livestock and poultry industries. The sessions will address current challenges, highlight technological advancements, and explore policy frameworks to bolster the sector.
Building a Sustainable Livestock Future
This year’s dialogue places a strong emphasis on adopting sustainable practices through the One Health approach, which integrates animal, human, and environmental health. Discussions will also shed light on flagship government initiatives like the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP), and the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD).
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One of the event’s highlights will be the dedication of several new projects to the region, accompanied by the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with industry leaders. These agreements are expected to drive investments, foster innovation, and create employment opportunities in the Northeast’s livestock sector.
Empowering the Region
The conclave also aims to empower stakeholders through capacity-building programs and collaborative efforts. “The Northeast has immense potential in livestock and poultry farming. This event is a step towards unlocking this potential by connecting farmers and entrepreneurs with cutting-edge technology, resources, and investment opportunities,” said Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
Senior officials from the central and state governments, principal secretaries from NER states, and representatives from NGOs, academia, and private industries will be actively participating in this two-day dialogue. The event is seen as a platform to foster knowledge-sharing and build a roadmap for a thriving livestock sector in Northeast India.
The conclave underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the region’s unique challenges while leveraging its untapped potential. As the Northeast stands at the cusp of transformation, this gathering is poised to catalyze progress and sustainability in its livestock and poultry industries. Shillong is poised to becomes the epicenter of Northeast India’s livestock revolution.