Mumbai, May 24: The Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajeev Ranjan Singh, also known as Lallan Singh, stated on Sunday that the central government’s goal is not only to make Mizoram self-sufficient in fish production but also to establish it as a fish-exporting state in the future.
The minister assured full support for various development-oriented projects proposed by the Mizoram government.
Upon arriving in Aizawl, Minister Singh met with Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga. The meeting was attended by Union Minister of State George Kurien and senior officials from the central government.
Minister Singh informed the Chief Minister that the central government is working towards approving key projects proposed by Mizoram, which include the establishment of a wholesale fish market, an integrated aqua park, and the expansion of rice-fish farming groups into more districts.
He also mentioned that the upcoming Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) 2.0 will include provisions for the construction of new fish ponds, the renovation and restoration of existing ponds, and better support for fish farmers.
Minister Singh encouraged the Mizoram government to present well-thought-out proposals to gain substantial benefits under PMMSY 2.0. He expressed the central government’s desire for Mizoram to not only achieve self-sufficiency in fish production but also to become capable of fish exports, assuring support for the development-oriented projects presented by the state.
On the topic of dairy development, Chief Minister Zoramthanga informed the central minister about a new central scheme being prepared for the establishment of dairy processing plants. This scheme proposes to modify the financing pattern from the current ratio to a more favorable 90:10 central-state share.
Minister Singh assured that another approval for the necessary mobile veterinary units requested by Mizoram would be considered, advising the state to implement previously approved units until the process for further approvals is completed.
He also stated that work would continue on the issue of transport subsidies for animal feed. Emphasizing long-term sustainability, he noted that promoting local cultivation of animal feed in Mizoram would be the most beneficial measure, assuring that the central government would support the state’s initiatives in this area.
Earlier, the central minister was welcomed at Lengpui Airport by ministers C. Lalzawivunga and Lalthansanga, along with senior officials, who also participated in the meeting with the Chief Minister.
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