Meghalaya: AL Hek seeks central support for livelihood expansion in animal husbandry
Guwahati: Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister AL Hek met with Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, George Kurien, to request central assistance for expanding animal husbandry and fisheries in Meghalaya.
Hek emphasized that livestock and poultry in the Northeastern states contribute approximately 6% to the national livestock figures—a significant contribution, though with ample room for growth across the region's eight states, including Meghalaya.
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Hek called for immediate intervention from the Union government to reverse the trend.
He noted that in Meghalaya, traditional livestock such as pigs and cattle remain central to local needs, with a growing shift towards less capital-intensive animals for backyard rearing.
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Hek also pointed out the region's rich and diverse fisheries resources, particularly its freshwater fish species, which position it as a global hotspot for fish biodiversity.
He said that there was potential for these sectors to generate employment for youth, provide livelihoods for rural communities, and drive economic development in the region.