SHILLONG: With an aim to begin production of dairy products in the State, the Government has decided to encourage small-scale dairy industries by supporting local entrepreneurs.
The State Government has taken the decision to encourage setting up of small dairy industries in the State after Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Minister, Deborah Marak, recently led a five-member delegation to attend the World Dairy Expo and Summit held at Nanjing in China.
The Expo was attended by professionals in dairy production and cow breeding enterprises from over 20 countries, government officials and experts.
Sharing her experiences at the Expo here, Deborah said that the trip to China was a very meaningful exercise for the State to learn various technological advancements in the field of diary production, while adding that State till today has to depend on other states for butter, ghee, cheese and other dairy products.
Speaking on the proposed plan of setting up small dairy industries, Deborah said that the Government can offer subsidy to local entrepreneurs who are willing to start such industries.
“The proposed initiative would not only address the shortage of dairy products but also boost avenues for employment among the educated unemployed youth,” she said even as she asserted that the Government will educate unemployed youth on the techniques involved in dairy farming.
The Minister, while mentioning that only milk is being produced in the State, said that the production was not enough to meet the daily requirements of the people. Besides milk, the State has also been facing shortfall in the production of meat, especially beef and pork.