Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh has inaugurated the Mega Entrepreneurship Development Conclave today, January 13, 2025, in Pune, Maharashtra. Organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, the event is themed "Empowering Entrepreneurs: Transforming Livestock Economies." The conclave aims to bring together policymakers, federations, cooperatives, industry associations, entrepreneurs, and financial institutions to discuss strategies for unlocking the immense potential of the livestock sector.
This significant gathering serves as a platform for stakeholders to address challenges, share innovative solutions, and promote sustainable practices to drive growth in the sector. Flagship government schemes such as the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF), with a substantial outlay of Rs 29,110.25 crores, and the National Livestock Mission (NLM), with Rs 2,300 crores, were showcased to highlight opportunities for inclusive growth. These initiatives are designed to empower rural farmers and small enterprises, ensuring the sector's development contributes to national progress.
The event marked the inauguration of the National Livestock Mission - Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP) Dashboard, which offers the public an organized summary of project information. Additionally, 40 projects supported under AHIDF and NLM-EDP, amounting to Rs 545.04 crores, were launched. The updated National Livestock Mission Operational Guidelines 2.0 and a compilation of success stories were also launched.
The conclave features panel discussions on critical themes, including “Catalyzing Growth in Livestock Sector: Entrepreneurship, Processing, and Opportunities” and “Role of Banks and MSMEs in Livestock Sector & Credit Facilitation.” These discussions are seeing participation from government officials, industry leaders, banks, cooperatives, and representatives of various organizations.
Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, and George Kurian, along with Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar and Minister of Animal Husbandry Pankaja Pradnya Munde, graced the event.
Senior officials, animal husbandry secretaries, and principal secretaries from across states and union territories also attended the event.
