GUWAHATI: Assam is aiming to significantly expand its fisheries and dairy sectors, with plans to boost fish production, promote exports and strengthen dairy infrastructure following high-level discussions between Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, popularly known as Lalan Singh, in New Delhi on Thursday, July 2.
ALSO READ: Assam CM Sarma, Union Minister Rijiju Discuss Flood Rehabilitation During Delhi Meeting
The meeting focused on transforming Assam into a major fish-producing and fish-exporting state while improving dairy infrastructure to enhance rural livelihoods and farmer incomes.
Sharing details on X, Sarma said the discussions centred on harnessing Assam's vast fisheries potential through higher fish production, stronger processing infrastructure and improved market access.
"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," the Chief Minister wrote.
He said both leaders explored ways to strengthen the fisheries value chain and promote exports.
"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," Sarma said.
The Chief Minister added that the state government would now work towards implementing the ideas discussed.
"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.
The meeting also outlined a roadmap for expanding Assam's dairy sector. Discussions covered strengthening dairy cooperatives, improving veterinary services, establishing Pashu Aushadhi Kendras, setting up Tetra Pak (UHT) and milk powder plants, and upgrading cattle stock through artificial insemination.
In a separate post on X, Singh said the Centre and the Assam government had held detailed discussions on expanding fish production, promoting exports, strengthening the fisheries value chain and enhancing processing infrastructure.
He added that both governments also deliberated on measures to expand veterinary services, establish veterinary medicine centres, strengthen dairy cooperatives and improve livestock through artificial insemination.
Expressing confidence over the outcome of the discussions, the Union Minister said coordinated efforts by the Centre and the Assam government would accelerate the growth of the state's fisheries and dairy sectors while creating greater opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs and rural livelihoods.
Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dr. K. K. Dwivedi, Resident Commissioner of Assam Bhawan Kavitha Padmanabhan and senior officials from the concerned ministries were also present during the meeting.
