Shillong: The two-day “Conclave on Dialogue for Holistic Development of Livestock Sectors in the North-East Region” concluded on January 24 in Shillong, Meghalaya.
The event witnessed the participation of prominent leaders, including Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, and Gabriel D Wangsu, Minister of Animal Husbandry, Arunachal Pradesh.
Inaugurated on January 23 by Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Panchayati Raj, the event brought together state ministers, senior officials, researchers, entrepreneurs, and industry representatives.
Discussions focused on addressing the challenges faced by the livestock sector in the Northeast, with a vision to transform the region into a self-reliant hub for livestock production.
Prof. Baghel highlighted the challenges posed by the region’s geographical and climatic conditions, noting the demand-supply gap in meat, eggs, milk, and fodder. He urged stakeholders to embrace innovative practices in livestock farming, such as hydroponic fodder cultivation and sex-sorted semen technology, to enhance productivity.
Stressing the importance of increasing fodder production and rejuvenating grasslands, he also underscored the need for maize cultivation and the conservation of Mithun, a key species for the region.
Gabriel D Wangsu emphasized the livestock sector’s role in rural family welfare and economic growth. He called for genetic improvements in local breeds, enhanced fodder production, and a transition from traditional to modern animal husbandry practices.
He also highlighted the importance of risk management, insurance, and the development of a roadmap for sustainable livestock farming.
Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), emphasized the Northeast’s reliance on imports for livestock products and feed. She pointed out the challenges in the piggery sector, particularly the control of African Swine Fever (ASF), and stressed the need for proactive measures to reduce farmer losses and achieve self-sufficiency.
The conclave concluded with a commitment to strengthen public-private partnerships, boost investment opportunities, and explore alternative feed and fodder resources.
It laid the foundation for achieving self-sufficiency in livestock production while positioning the Northeast as an export hub for pig and pig products.
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