AS-CM-LIVESTOCK

Livestock, poultry sectors can boost rural Assam's economy: CM
    Guwahati, Nov 8 (PTI) Noting that livestock and
poultry sectors have potential to generate employment and
boost rural Assam's economy, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal
on Friday urged youths to explore the opportunities in them.
    Sonowal, while inaugurating the National Livestock and
Poultry Show here, said, "Assam is the first state in the
country to adopt a policy for private investment promotion in
the livestock sector which will be implemented from January
next year."
    The chief minister urged the farmers of the state to
work towards fulfilling the needs of the five crore population
of the northeast.
    "Instead of importing eggs, meat, milk and dairy
products, efforts must be made to ensure that Assam exports
these items by increasing their production," he said.
    Union Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy and
Fisheries, Giriraj Singh, said there is immense scope for
developing the northeast as an export hub of poultry,
livestock meats and eggs by adopting latest technologies.
    Singh said his ministry would provide funds to the
state government for training more than four thousand youths
of the state on artificial insemination of farm animals.
    "These youths would help farmers and rearers in
interior areas raise livestock and increase their income," he
said.
    The union minister also stressed on the need to set up
a livestock technology park in the state and assured help from
the Centre in this regard.
    State Agriculture Minister Atul Bora hoped that the
programme will direct the youth of the state towards self-
employment in poultry and livestock sectors. PTI DG
ACD ACD

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)