Guwahati: CM Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday met Union fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh in New Delhi to discuss Assam’s fisheries and dairy sectors, with a focus on boosting fish exports by strengthening the value chain and improving market access.Sarma said the state govt is working to transform Assam into a major fish-producing and fish-exporting hub. Assam now produces over 5 lakh metric tonnes of fish annually, an increase of more than 1 lakh metric tonnes compared to 2020-21.“Had a very good conversation with Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh. His vast experience and deep understanding of the sector were reflected in the valuable insights he shared,” Sarma wrote in a post on X. “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.“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 further wrote.On the dairy sector, the CM said, “We also discussed strengthening our dairy cooperative sector by enhancing veterinary facilities, setting up Pashu Aushadhi Kendras, establishing Tetrapack (UHT) and Milk Powder Plants, and improving the existing cattle stock through artificial insemination.”In a separate post on X, Singh described the meeting as ‘warm and productive’ and said the two leaders held a discussion on unlocking Assam’s fisheries potential by enhancing fish production, promoting exports, strengthening the value chain and expanding processing infrastructure. He said they also deliberated on strengthening dairy cooperatives, expanding veterinary services, establishing veterinary medicine centres, setting up Tetra Pak and milk powder plants, and improving livestock through artificial insemination.“Confident that the coordinated efforts of the central and state govts will accelerate the growth of Assam’s fisheries and dairy sectors, creating greater opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs and rural livelihoods,” Singh said.
