Guwahati: A two-day conclave aimed at strengthening Assam’s dairy, livestock, and cooperative sectors concluded on Wednesday at Raj Bhavan, marking a major step toward boosting rural entrepreneurship and sustainable development across the state.
Organised under the initiative of Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, the event brought together experts, policymakers, academics, and industry professionals to deliberate on innovative strategies for sectoral growth and empowerment.
According to an official statement, the second day of the conclave featured thematic sessions and keynote lectures focusing on advancing dairy technology, improving livestock management, and promoting sustainable poultry production. Participants emphasised the urgent need to modernise dairy infrastructure, adopt technology-driven practices, and strengthen the start-up ecosystem to create opportunities for rural youth and women entrepreneurs.
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Speakers also highlighted the critical role of financial institutions such as NABARD and MSME in supporting sustainable dairy and livestock enterprises, thereby ensuring long-term rural economic growth.
Delivering a lead lecture on the “Status of Livestock Sector in Assam,” Dr. Jayanta Kumar Goswami, Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Assam, outlined the sector’s current challenges and emerging opportunities. He noted that livestock and allied activities are key drivers of rural livelihoods, nutritional security, and women’s empowerment, especially for smallholder and marginal farmers.
Experts called for strong bio-security measures and hygienic meat processing systems to promote viable and safe piggery ventures in Assam, identifying the piggery sector as a significant contributor to rural income and nutrition. The conclave also discussed the need for scientific breeding and sustainable fodder systems to enhance goat and sheep productivity.
Sessions on poultry development addressed issues such as backyard and commercial poultry farming, feed efficiency, hatchery management, and bio-security, while stressing the importance of strengthening local breeds, improving market linkages, and expanding cold chain infrastructure to ensure profitability and sustainability in Assam’s livestock sector.
