Scindia Backs Unified Food Systems Plan for Northeast

• Fourth High-Level Task Force meeting held in Arunachal Pradesh
• Focus on milk, eggs, poultry, meat and fisheries across all Northeastern states
• Pilot interventions to start in two states per product category
• Emphasis on logistics, infrastructure, value chains and market access

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th Nov: Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya M. Scindia participated in the Fourth High-Level Task Force meeting on Milk, Eggs, Poultry, Meat and Fisheries, chaired by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu. Officials from Nagaland, the Department of Fisheries and representatives from all eight Northeastern states attended the session.

The Task Force reviewed a comprehensive demand–supply analysis for the region, aimed at developing a multi-dimensional strategy for strengthening the food ecosystem. The discussions covered logistics and connectivity, infrastructure improvement, value chain upgrades, skilled workforce, breeding and productivity enhancement, and increased access to credit and private investment.

“Our aim is to build a connected, efficient and resilient food ecosystem for the Northeast that strengthens livelihoods, expands market access and ensures better nutrition for every citizen,” Scindia said.

To ensure faster outcomes, the meeting approved pilot interventions in two states for each product category—milk, eggs and poultry, meat and fisheries—to generate practical learnings for wider implementation.

A detailed implementation structure involving central ministries, state departments and private sector partners was outlined. Each intervention will be mapped to specific value chain stages to ensure defined responsibilities from production to consumer delivery. Funding will be structured through joint contributions from all stakeholders.

The Task Force also focused on viewing the Northeast as a single integrated market, improving movement of surplus goods to deficit zones, leveraging individual state strengths, and enabling stronger trade linkages within and outside the region.

Scindia stressed the need for a bottom-up approach by blending state-specific insights with national priorities. “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,” he concluded.