Union Minister boosts Meghalaya’s livestock sector with inauguration of key projects in Khliehtyrshi and Kyrdemkulai, announces new semen bank

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJanuary 25, 2025

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated the Intensive Cattle Development Project in Khliehtyrshi at the “Conclave on Dialogue for Holistic Development of Livestock Sectors in the North-East Region” in Shillong on January 23, 2025. This significant investment in Meghalaya’s livestock sector was one of the key highlights of the event, which was attended by Minister of State George Kurian and other notable dignitaries.

Several projects were introduced during the conclave, including 15 Entrepreneurship Development Projects (EDPs) under the National Livestock Mission (NLM) worth Rs 10.93 crore, four Fodder Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) facilitated by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), and a Regional Semen Production Laboratory and Goat Semen Bank in Khanapara with an investment of Rs 337.29 lakh. The NDDB will also initiate a Baseline Village Survey in Arunachal Pradesh and work with Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura to enhance dairy cooperatives.

In addition to the Khliehtyrshi project, Singh inaugurated the Multiplier Pig Farm in Kyrdemkulai, Ri Bhoi District, costing Rs 10.23 crore. A “Poultry Song” in Khasi language and the release of the Meghalaya Animal Administrative Report 2023-2024 were also highlighted.

Other regional initiatives include Siri Cattle Development in Sikkim with an investment of Rs 215.6 lakh and the establishment of a Regional AI Training Centre in Gangtok under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) at a cost of Rs 450 lakh. An AI Training Centre for pigs was launched at the Central Livestock Farm in Debipur, Tripura, with a budget of Rs 84 lakh. MoUs were signed with the Transforming Rural India Foundation (TRIF) and the State Government of Assam to enhance awareness programs and provide technical assistance. Another MoU was established for the handover of a Milk Processing Plant in Ghungoor, Silchar, Assam, facilitated by the Directorate of Dairy Development, Government of Assam.

Under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) and Infrastructure Support, 29 projects worth Rs 240 crore have been approved, covering 53 out of 131 districts in NER. Plans to invest Rs 250 crore to expand dairy infrastructure, increase milk procurement capacity from 1.5 lakh liters/day to 3.5 lakh liters/day, and onboard 70,000 new farmers into the cooperative network were also discussed.

The event emphasized the need to strengthen the livestock and poultry sector in NER, involving the private industry to create suitable infrastructure and technological interventions with support from central and state governments. An intent of Rs 700 crore was proposed from various private sectors, including Rs 200 crore from IB group for the poultry and feed sector and Rs 250 crore from the Karnataka Poultry Federation for sustainable growth in the poultry sector. The National Egg Coordination Committee (NECC) plans to distribute Egg Carts for employment and promoting egg consumption.

Singh highlighted the piggery sector in NER, with a pig population of 42.4 lakh (46.42% of India’s total), valued at approximately Rs 5,000 crore, as a major contributor to the regional economy. He encouraged a cluster-based approach and public-private partnerships (PPPs) to develop the sector into an export hub. Opportunities in the poultry sector were emphasized, focusing on bridging demand-supply gaps and attracting private sector investments through PPPs, organized markets, and cluster-based approaches. Singh highlighted the NLM Entrepreneurship Development Programme, which approved 245 projects in NER, including 184 for piggery farming, 45 for goat farming, and 16 for poultry farming. He also mentioned the vaccination program, stating that FMD Round IV vaccination, covering 74.95 lakh bovines with 86% coverage, has been completed, and Round I vaccination of CSF has been initiated in Mizoram, with 18.10 lakh doses administered across NER. Under the MVU scheme, 295 units are operational in the region, ensuring quality doorstep veterinary care.

Singh acknowledged the unique geographical and climatic conditions of NER, posing challenges in the livestock sector, especially piggery, poultry, and fodder sectors. He expressed concern over the low per capita average of milk and egg compared to the national average and urged NER to achieve self-sufficiency. He called on NER state governments to create a single window to facilitate private sector investment and strengthen the livestock sector. He extended gratitude to the Meghalaya government and stakeholders for hosting the conclave. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and emphasized the Astalaxmi vision for NER, urging stakeholders to commit to the sector’s growth for national prosperity.

The conclave featured technical sessions on piggery, dairy, poultry, and fodder production sectors, alongside an Industry-Government Dialogue on unlocking investment opportunities in the livestock sector. Stakeholders discussed addressing supply gaps, fostering innovation, and enhancing the regional value chain.

A T Mondal, Minister of Community & Rural Development, Power & Taxation, Government of Meghalaya, represented the Chief Minister of Meghalaya and highlighted the state’s potential for livestock development despite its unique geographical and climatic conditions. He mentioned that livestock farming has become a primary profession and that the state has developed a ten-year roadmap for livestock development. Alka Upadhyaya, Secretary, DAHD, highlighted the economic significance of the livestock sector as a sunrise sector in the nation and NER, stressing the importance of market linkages, infrastructure development, and a data-driven approach to make the region a model for livestock development. C. Lalsawivunga, Minister (AH&V), Mizoram, Sudhanshu Das, Minister (ARD), Tripura, Alexander L Hek, Minister (AHV&DD), Meghalaya, and the Chief Secretary of Meghalaya also attended the event.

The conclave successfully fostered collaboration among policymakers, scientists, and industry leaders, setting the stage for transformative growth in the livestock sector of the North-East Region.