New Delhi: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, participated in the Fourth High-Level Task Force meeting, solidifying an action-focused roadmap for the Northeast’s integrated food systems.
The meeting, chaired by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, brought together officials from all eight Northeastern states, focusing on key sectors: milk, eggs, poultry, meat, and fisheries.
Focus on Integrated Strategy and Pilots
The Task Force completed a detailed demand-supply analysis, forming the basis for a composite framework that moves beyond a single-product focus. Key discussions centered on connectivity, logistics, infrastructure, value chains, and expanding credit access for private investment.
Minister Scindia emphasized the goal: “We aim to build a connected, efficient, and resilient food ecosystem for the Northeast that strengthens livelihoods, expands market access, and ensures better nutrition.”
To ensure rapid, evidence-driven expansion, the Task Force resolved to launch pilot interventions in two states for each product category (milk, eggs/poultry, meat, and fisheries). These pilots will generate real-time learnings before regional scaling.
Coordinated Implementation and Market Integration
A clear implementation architecture was defined, requiring coordinated participation from Central Ministries, State Departments, and private stakeholders. Responsibilities for funding and execution will be jointly held and mapped to specific stages of the value chain.
The leaders underscored the critical need to view the Northeast as a single, integrated market. This approach will strengthen intra- and inter-state trade linkages, allowing for the efficient movement of surpluses and catalyzing better logistics and broader economic opportunity.
Scindia concluded, “By strengthening production, upgrading value chains and improving logistics, we are laying the groundwork for a future where the Northeast’s food economy is self-reliant, market-ready and driven by shared prosperity.”
