**Executive Summary**
The "Regional Review Meeting: Northeastern Region 2026," held in Aizawl, Mizoram, focused on strengthening the fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairy sectors to boost rural livelihoods. Key outcomes included the inauguration of projects worth ₹32.15 crore, the approval of a ₹50 crore fish marketing center, and the launch of critical resources such as the MDCS Baseline Survey and a pig farming guide. The meeting emphasized self-reliance through technological adoption, infrastructure development, and coordinated state efforts.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Fisheries Sector Advancements**
* **Infrastructure Investment:** Inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects worth ₹32.15 crore under PMMSY and FIDF.
* **Market Support:** Approved a ₹50 crore Fish Marketing Centre with cold chain facilities in Mizoram to enhance the value chain.
* **Strategic Growth:** Notified seven clusters for development and emphasized integrated aquaparks and ornamental fisheries as key export drivers.
* **Technological Integration:** Promoted modern technologies like Biofloc and digitization through the National Fisheries Development Programme (NFDP).
**Animal Husbandry and Dairy Initiatives**
* **Dairy Cooperatives:** Launched a Baseline Village Level Survey to expand Multipurpose Dairy Cooperative Societies (MDCS) across the North Eastern Region (NER).
* **Pig Farming Resources:** Released the "Good Husbandry Practices in Pig Farming" booklet and an African Swine Fever (ASF) Awareness Film to improve productivity and disease control.
* **Productivity Tools:** Emphasized campaign-mode Artificial Insemination (AI) and the use of sex-sorted semen to enhance high-yield cattle populations.
* **Local Success:** Inaugurated the Mizo Café, an FPO Office-cum-Sale Outlet, and launched MULCO Cow Ghee at MULCO Dairy.
**Policy and Implementation Directives**
* **Funding and Schemes:** Urged states to maximize the utilization of central funds and departmental schemes, specifically the SASCI scheme for infrastructure.
* **Regional Constraints:** Called for rationalized cost norms to address specific regional challenges and the revision of PMMSY unit costs.
* **Community Engagement:** Highlighted the role of women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs) and the need for private participation to accelerate growth.
**Impact Analysis**
**Rural Dairy and Pig Farmers**
* **Impact:** Farmers benefit from improved technical inputs, guidance on scientific farming, and better disease prevention measures.
* **Action Required:** Adopt modern husbandry practices, participate in the MDCS survey, and utilize AI/sex-sorted semen services.
**Fisheries Start-ups and Cooperatives**
* **Impact:** Enhanced market access through new cold chain facilities and opportunities in ornamental fisheries and cluster-based development.
* **Action Required:** Engage with the newly notified clusters and utilize available KCC cards and technical support for scaling operations.
**North Eastern State Governments**
* **Impact:** States receive increased central support and a framework for self-sufficiency in the livestock and fisheries sectors.
* **Action Required:** Ensure timely implementation of projects within clear timelines, adopt DAH&D standards for veterinary infrastructure, and utilize the SASCI scheme for growth.
Key Entities Referenced
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): A flagship scheme under which fisheries projects worth ₹32.15 crore were launched to strengthen the sector in the North Eastern Region.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): A key funding mechanism used alongside PMMSY to support infrastructure development and investment in the fisheries sector.
Multipurpose Dairy Cooperative Societies (MDCS): An initiative for which a baseline village-level survey was launched to expand cooperative coverage and enhance livelihoods for dairy farmers.
Mizoram: The central state for the Regional Review Meeting and the location for major projects including a ₹50 crore fish marketing centre.
African Swine Fever (ASF): A primary disease control focus for the region's pig farming sector, involving the launch of awareness films and vaccine exploration.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Regional Review Meeting For North East Region,
Aizawl : Launch of MDCS Baseline Survey, Pig
Farming Booklet and ASF Awareness Film
Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh Inaugurated and Lays
Foundation Stone of Fisheries Projects Worth Rs. 32.15
Crores in Mizoram
GoI approves Fish Marketing Centre with cold chain facilities
in Mizoram giving boost to fisheries value chain
Posted On: 26 MAY 2026 4:05PM by PIB Delhi
The Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying organized a ‘Regional Review Meeting:
Northeastern Region 2026’ in Aizawl, Mizoram, under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Union Minister,
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D) and
Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in the gracious presence of Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State,
MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and
Panchayati Raj, inaugurated and laid the foundation of key projects worth about ₹32.15 crore under
PMMSY and FIDF, underscoring the Government’s commitment to strengthening a self-sustained
fisheries sector in the North Eastern Region. The Minister also distributed Fisheries KCC cards and
awards to beneficiaries, including best fisheries start-ups and cooperatives, and interacted with them to
understand challenges and extend further support.The Union Minister called for a coordinated effort by States and stakeholders to unlock the fisheries
potential of the Northeastern Region, highlighting opportunities in ornamental fisheries, emerging as a key
driver of exports. He emphasised strengthening the value chain through integrated aquaparks and cluster
development, with seven clusters already notified. He noted the strong growth in fisheries production in
the North Eastern Region and emphasised aquaparks, cluster development, and modern technologies such
as Biofloc, along with digitisation through NFDP and infrastructure development including the ₹50 crore
fish marketing centre approved in Mizoram, while directing States to ensure timely implementation
through clear frameworks and timelines.
The “Regional Review Meeting for North East Region” witnessed the launch of the Baseline Village
Level Survey for expanding the coverage of Multipurpose Dairy Cooperative Societies (MDCS) aimed at
strengthening dairy cooperatives and enhancing livelihood opportunities for rural dairy farmers across the
North Eastern States. The survey, along with the booklet titled “Good Husbandry Practices in Pig
Farming” and the African Swine Fever (ASF) Awareness Film, was launched by Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh,
Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India. The booklet
provides guidance on scientific pig farming, improved productivity, disease prevention, modern
management practices, and sustainable livelihoods for farmers. The ASF Film promotes awareness,
preparedness, and coordinated efforts for the prevention and control of ASF in the North Eastern Region.Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, while chairing the Regional Review
Meeting in Aizawl, highlighted the vast potential of the livestock and dairy sector in the North Eastern
Region for boosting rural livelihoods and the regional economy. He emphasized wider adoption of
Artificial Insemination and Sex-Sorted Semen technologies, strengthening dairy infrastructure and
cooperatives, effective implementation of government schemes, and disease control through vaccination
drives. He also stressed timely project implementation, efficient utilization of central funds, and collective
efforts towards making the region self-reliant in the livestock and dairy sector.
Shri George Kurian, Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, GoI,
emphasised the need to adopt modern scientific technologies to enhance fisheries productivity and
sustainability, while also stressing the importance of strengthening logistics, cold chain and market
connectivity to improve value realisation.
Hon’ble Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India, highlighted
the strong community-driven ecosystem in the North Eastern States, especially the active role of women-
led Self Help Groups (SHGs). He emphasized that effective utilization of these community networks and
existing infrastructure can significantly strengthen the animal husbandry sector, promote export-oriented
products and accelerate regional development in the Northeast.
Shri Naresh Pal Gangwar, Secretary, DAH&D, Government of India, in his keynote address,
emphasized effective restructuring and maximum utilization of departmental schemes by the North
Eastern States. He urged States to adopt DAHD’s standards for veterinary infrastructure, vaccination, and
artificial insemination, while also highlighting the importance of capital investment through the SASCI
scheme. He further informed that the Department is exploring vaccine options for African Swine Fever
(ASF).
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, highlighted the progress in grounding fisheries
projects in the North Eastern Region and emphasised addressing regional constraints through rationalised
cost norms. He underscored the importance of quality seed, diversification, and polyculture, along with
stronger ICAR support for R&D. He stressed quality seed, diversification, capacity building and value
addition, while highlighting the role of reservoirs, cage culture, digitisation and private participation in
accelerating sustainable growth and export potential.
The State Fisheries Ministers highlighted key initiatives including pond development, input support and
financial assistance, while emphasising the potential of ornamental fisheries and need to promote youth
entrepreneurship. They also called for boosting integrated farming, strengthening skills and infrastructure,
and revising PMMSY unit costs to better reflect regional needs.
Ms. Varsha Joshi, Additional Secretary (Cattle & Dairy), DAH&D, Government of India, highlighted
key initiatives including the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Programme for Dairy Development,
National Livestock Mission, Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund, and Livestock Health& Disease Control Programme. She also urged North Eastern States to utilize support under the SASCI
scheme for strengthening infrastructure and boosting growth in the animal husbandry and dairying sector.
Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary, Department of Fisheries GoI, presented the achievements and
roadmap for the fisheries sector in the Northeastern Region, highlighting an investment of about ₹2,228
crore under various schemes and outlining key priorities for productivity enhancement, value chain
development and sustainable growth. Dr. Bijay Kumar Behra, Chief Executive, NFDB, delivered the
vote of thanks, effectively bringing the session to a close.
Hon’ble Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with
Hon’ble MoS and dignitaries, visited MULCO Dairy after the NER Regional Review Meeting. The visit
featured the inauguration of the Mizo Café and FPO Office-cum-Sale Outlet, launch of MULCO Cow
Ghee, distribution of technical inputs to farmers, and recognition of fisheries beneficiaries, FFPOs, and
cooperatives, showcasing grassroots success stories from the region.
In his address, the Union Minister emphasized campaign-mode AI services and use of sex-sorted semen to
enhance high-yield cattle population, while announcing mission-mode creation of Dairy Cooperatives
with dedicated timelines. He assured farmers of Mizoram that the Department and NDDB are committed
to making the North Eastern Region self-sufficient in dairy, extending full support to achieve these targets.
The initiatives mark a significant step in strengthening cooperatives, boosting productivity, and ensuring
sustainable livelihoods for farmers in Mizoram and across the NER.
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JP
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