Northeast fisheries, dairy push gets fresh momentum as centre holds key meet in Mizoram

Aizawl: The Centre is stepping up its focus on fisheries, dairy and livestock development in the Northeast, with a major regional review meeting scheduled to be held in Mizoram on Sunday, 24th May 2026.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh will chair the meeting in Aizawl, where ministers, senior officials and stakeholders from all eight northeastern states are expected to participate. The discussions are likely to focus on improving rural livelihoods, strengthening dairy and fisheries infrastructure, and increasing farmer participation in value-added agriculture.

The meeting comes at a time when the Northeast is emerging as an important region for fish production, pig farming and dairy-based rural enterprises. Government officials believe the region has strong untapped potential due to its rich water resources, traditional livestock practices and growing domestic demand.

A major highlight of the programme will be the launch and inauguration of fisheries projects worth over Rs 32 crore under various central schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF). These projects are expected to improve cold chain facilities, fish farming infrastructure and market connectivity for local producers.

Apart from infrastructure development, the Centre is also planning to strengthen the dairy cooperative network in the region. During the event, a village-level survey initiative for expanding Multipurpose Dairy Cooperative Societies will be launched. The government sees dairy cooperatives as an important tool for improving income opportunities in remote rural areas.

The programme will also feature the release of awareness material related to African Swine Fever, which has severely affected pig farming in parts of the Northeast in recent years. A booklet promoting scientific pig farming practices will also be introduced to help farmers adopt better disease management and modern rearing techniques.

In a push towards local branding and value addition, the Mizoram Milk Producers Co-operative Union (MULCO) will launch its cow ghee product during the event. Officials say such initiatives can help regional dairy brands gain wider market access and encourage local processing.

The event will additionally include interactions with fisheries beneficiaries, dairy farmers, farmer producer organisations (FPOs) and entrepreneurs who have benefited from government schemes. Officials are expected to review ongoing projects and discuss strategies to improve implementation at the ground level.

Union Ministers of State S. P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian are also expected to attend the meeting along with representatives from the state governments.

Over the last few years, the Centre has increased investments in fisheries, piggery and dairy sectors in the Northeast as part of its broader strategy to strengthen rural incomes and reduce dependence on imports from other states. The government is also aiming to create employment opportunities for youth through allied agricultural sectors and small-scale agri enterprises.

The meeting in Mizoram is expected to set the direction for future investments and policy support for the region’s rapidly growing fisheries and livestock economy.