A two-conference on Livestock and Poultry Development in North East India was organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce, in association with the North Eastern Council (NEC), Ministry of DoNER.
The conference, which aims to bring together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore opportunities within the region’s livestock sector, focused on advancements in breeding, disease management, and market linkages, while also highlighting government initiatives and investment opportunities. The discussions aimed to drive sustainable growth, enhance productivity, and strengthen rural livelihoods.
In his keynote address, NEC Adviser (Horticulture) M. Iboyaima Meitei emphasized NEC’s Vision 2047, which seeks to enhance self-sufficiency in milk, egg, and fish production. He encouraged stakeholders to provide insights into addressing challenges in the sector.
College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agriculture University Dean Dr. Bibeka Nanda Saikia highlighted the 21st century as the “century of livestock,” stressing the need for technical intervention for sectoral growth.
Meghalaya Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Secretary S. C. Sadhu underscored the sector’s potential to generate employment and economic opportunities.
Over the course of two days, discussions covered crucial topics such as policy frameworks, farm practices, marketing strategies, food safety, production enhancement, technological interventions, disease and vaccine management, Geographical Indication (GI) tags, insurance claim challenges, and commercialization of poultry production. Speakers stressed the importance of implementing measures to make the livestock and poultry sectors self-sufficient in the North Eastern Region. The dairy department of Meghalaya has proposed to create a dedicated dairy policy to promote the sector and also proposed to create a task force.
The Department of Animal Husbandry of Meghalaya mentioned the importance of implementation of Rashtriya Gokul Mission and National Livestock policy. The Assam Livestock and Poultry Corporation mentioned Project Pratham related to advancement of the pig sector. Scientists from ICAR recommended backyard poultry production and that more research is required to develop the breeding strategy in the poultry sector. They discussed the outbreak of the different diseases and how to control that by using genotype vaccines. The College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agriculture University has recommended the need for the Poultry Act.
The conference saw participation from prominent academicians, scientists, scholars, policymakers, market leaders, and representatives from various organizations like College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agriculture University, ICAR, British Deputy High Commission, Kolkata, National Fisheries Development Board; Assam Livestock Development Agency, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development Department of Meghalaya, Assam Livestock and Poultry Corporation, Indian Poultry Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) and Poultry Federation of India.
