Assam CM, Union Minister discuss roadmap to boost fisheries, dairy sectors
New Delhi, July 2
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday held a detailed meeting with Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh at his official residence in the national capital, focusing on expanding Assam's fisheries and dairy sectors through infrastructure upgrade and value chain strengthening.
According to officials, the discussions centred on unlocking Assam's "immense potential" in fisheries by boosting fish production, improving processing facilities, and promoting exports through better market access and a stronger supply chain ecosystem.
Sharing details of the meeting on the social media platform X, CM Sarma said he had a "very good conversation" with the Union Minister and appreciated his experience in the sector.
"Had a very good conversation with Hon'ble Union Minister Shri @LalanSingh_1 ji. His vast experience and deep understanding of the sector were reflected in the valuable insights he shared," Sarma said in his post.
CM further said that the two leaders discussed comprehensive measures to scale up fish production in Assam and enhance export potential. "We had a productive discussion on harnessing Assam's immense potential in the fisheries sector. Along with increasing fish production, we also explored promoting fish exports by strengthening the value chain, improving processing infrastructure and enhancing market access," he added.
Sarma also said the state government would work towards converting the deliberations into actionable outcomes in the coming days. "In the coming days, we will work towards translating these ideas into concrete outcomes that can propel Assam into a major fish-producing and fish-exporting hub," he said.
On the dairy sector, the CM informed that discussions also focused on strengthening dairy cooperatives and veterinary support systems, including expansion of veterinary facilities, setting up of Pashu Aushadhi Kendras, establishment of Tetrapack (UHT) and milk powder plants, and improving cattle stock through artificial insemination.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, in a separate post on X, described the meeting as "warm and productive" and said detailed discussions were held on both fisheries and dairy development.
He said, "We had a detailed discussion on unlocking Assam's immense fisheries potential by enhancing fish production, promoting exports, strengthening the value chain and expanding processing infrastructure."
On dairy development, Singh added that the meeting also focused on strengthening cooperatives, expanding veterinary services, establishing veterinary medicine centres, and improving livestock through scientific interventions.
He expressed confidence that coordinated efforts between the Centre and the State would accelerate growth in both sectors, creating wider opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs and rural livelihoods.
Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary to the CM KK Dwivedi, Resident Commissioner of Assam Bhawan Kavitha Padmanabhan, and other concerned officers, were present during the meeting.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see focus on dairy cooperatives too. We need more of these integrated approaches - not just production but cold storage, processing, and market access. Otherwise, farmers end up selling at throwaway prices. The mention of Tetrapack plants is promising for value addition.
All fine, but we've heard such promises before. Need concrete timelines and budgets. Assam's fisheries sector has been neglected for decades - let's see if this time they actually build the processing infrastructure. Also, what about training for local fishermen in modern techniques?
Artificial insemination for improving cattle stock? That's a smart move. Assam's indigenous cattle breeds are hardy but low-yielding. With proper veterinary support and these Pashu Aushadhi Kendras, dairy farmers can really benefit. Hope they also focus on fodder development.
As someone from Assam, I'm cautiously optimistic. Our state's geography is perfect for fisheries - the beels and oxbow lakes are natural fish nurseries. But we need transparent implementation, not just photo ops. The mention of strengthening cooperatives gives me hope - that's where grassroots impact happens.
Interesting to see state and central governments working together on this. The Northeast has been a priority for fisheries development under the Blue Revolution scheme. If Assam can leverage its water resources like Mizoram has with trout farming, it could really transform the rural economy.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.