June 3, 2026

 

India pushes Northeast fisheries and livestock expansion with US$2.67 billion support

 

India's Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister, Rajiv Ranjan Singh,last month said that the fisheries, animal husbandry and dairy sectors have immense potential to accelerate the economic development of India's Northeast, adding that growth in these sectors would ensure progress not only for individuals but for the region as a whole.

 

The Union Minister, who chaired a Regional Review Meeting of the eight Northeastern states, highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for the region's development. He said the Central government is committed to doing everything possible to realise the Prime Minister's vision.

 

After reviewing progress in the implementation of various projects and schemes under his ministry in the Northeastern states, Singh said the Centre aims to showcase the region's diversity and said he was delighted to witness the "hidden beauty" of Mizoram.

 

Speaking on fisheries, the Minister highlighted initiatives including the Blue Revolution, the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PM-MSY).

 

Singh, popularly known as Lalan Singh, said fish production in the Northeast increased from 3.78 lakh tonnes to 7.05 lakh tonnes (0.705 million tonnes) between 2014 and 2025. He also said that over the past 12 years (2014–2025), the Central government provided ₹2,228 crore (US$267.36 million) to the Northeastern states.

 

Of this, Assam received ₹614.11 crore (US$73.69 million), Tripura at ₹322.23 crore (US$38.66 million), Mizoram at ₹246.79 crore (US$29.62 million), Arunachal Pradesh at ₹246.03 crore (US$29.52 million), Meghalaya at ₹240.32 crore (US$28.84 million), Manipur at ₹236.41 crore (US$28.37 million), Nagaland at ₹209.49 crore (US$25.14 million) and Sikkim at ₹109.41 crore (US$13.13 million).

 

The Union Minister said he was pleased to inaugurate India's first Integrated Aquapark at Ziro in Arunachal Pradesh and announced that 11 additional aquaparks are planned, including four in the Northeast. He invited Mizoram to submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and complete land acquisition formalities for a similar facility. Singh also announced approval for a Fish Marketing Centre in Mizoram at an estimated cost of ₹50 crore (US$6.00 million).

 

He highlighted the potential of ornamental, coldwater and inland fisheries in the Northeast, and said the Centre aims to promote cluster-based fish farming by setting up eight notified clusters, upgrading NFDB facilities in Assam, and digitally onboarding fish farmers.

 

The Minister said the government is ready to invest ₹200–300 crore (US$24.01–36.02 million) under the Mission Amrit Sarovar programme in the region. He also said senior officials from NDDB, NFDB and the ministry would visit the Northeastern states after the monsoon to assess requirements.

 

On animal husbandry, he said the Northeastern states recorded growth of 37% in milk production, 40% in egg production, and 15% in meat production, urging states to build on this momentum.

 

He emphasised strengthening cooperatives, expanding artificial insemination services, improving infrastructure, promoting technology adoption and boosting human resource development. He also said the Centre is working on vaccines to control livestock diseases and announced plans to set up an NDDB regional office in Guwahati.

 

Singh said the vision is for the Northeast to become self-sufficient in fisheries, animal husbandry and dairy production, urging closer cooperation between state governments and the Centre for timely implementation of schemes.

 

Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying George Kurian said the ministry is working to improve livelihoods, empower women and promote entrepreneurship in the region, urging states to strengthen self-reliance and promote local production.

 

Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying Naresh Pal Gangwar reiterated the Centre's commitment to supporting the Northeast's self-reliance and called for stronger state-level participation.

 

Secretary of the Department of Fisheries Abhilaksh Likhi said efforts are underway to develop the region into an export hub and encouraged states to communicate their needs freely to the Centre.

 

During the meeting, Northeastern state ministers presented updates on achievements and challenges, highlighting the need for youth training, cold chain infrastructure, digital deployment, improved logistics and timely fund disbursement.

 

The Union Minister also launched a baseline village-level survey to expand Multipurpose Dairy Cooperative Societies (MDCS), a film on African swine fever, an educational booklet on pig farming practices, and several region-specific development initiatives.

 

- The Shillong Times