New Delhi, 24 May (H.S.): Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, popularly known as Lalan Singh, will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for major fisheries projects worth ₹32.15 crore in Mizoram on May 25. The projects are aimed at promoting a modern, sustainable, and self-reliant fisheries ecosystem in the northeastern region of India.

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, the “Regional Review Meeting: North Eastern Region-2026” will be held in Aizawl during which the minister will launch several projects under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).

The ministry stated that the initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening the fisheries sector in northeastern states while generating employment and livelihood opportunities at the grassroots level. During the programme, the Union Minister will also distribute certificates to beneficiaries associated with the fisheries sector. These include recipients of Fisheries Kisan Credit Cards (KCC), outstanding fisheries startups, and exemplary fisheries cooperative societies.

Union Ministers of State S. P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian will also attend the event. In addition, ministers, departmental secretaries, and senior officials from the fisheries and animal husbandry departments of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura, along with senior officials from both the central and state governments, are expected to participate in the meeting.

The primary objective of the review meeting is to assess the progress of various schemes and programmes being implemented in the fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairy sectors across the northeastern region. Discussions will also focus on future strategies to strengthen farmers’ welfare, sustainable regional development, and rural livelihoods.

Several important initiatives and projects are also scheduled to be launched during the event. These include the commencement of village-level surveys for the expansion of Multipurpose Dairy Cooperative Societies (MDCS), the release of an awareness film on African Swine Fever, the launch of a handbook titled “Good Animal Husbandry Practices in Pig Farming,” and the introduction of “Mulco” cow ghee by the Mizoram Milk Producers Cooperative Union Limited.

Additionally, the programme will witness the inauguration of “Mizo Café,” the launch of an FPO office-cum-sales outlet, and the unveiling of foundation stones for several development projects. Special discussions during the meeting will focus on increasing production, addressing value-chain gaps, strengthening market linkages, and promoting exports from the region.

The central government believes that these initiatives will provide fresh momentum to the fisheries- and livestock-based economy of the northeastern region while delivering long-term benefits to farmers, entrepreneurs, and cooperative institutions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar