Rajiv Ranjan Singh sparks debate by opening entrepreneurship conclave in Pune

On January 13, 2025, the Entrepreneurship Development Conclave was inaugurated in Pune, Maharashtra, by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh. This significant event, organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, focused on the theme 'Empowering Entrepreneurs: Transforming Livestock Economies' and aimed to address the challenges and opportunities within the livestock sector. Aimed at boosting entrepreneurship, the conclave attracted key policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders, including prominent government officials from various states, to foster dialogue on innovation and growth in the sector. The conclave highlighted crucial government initiatives, such as the National Livestock Mission, which has a budget of Rs. 2,300 crores, aimed at supporting rural farmers and small enterprises. During the event, several projects under the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) and the National Livestock Mission - Entrepreneurship Development Programme (NLM-EDP) were launched, cumulatively valued at Rs. 545.04 crores. Participants engaged in panel discussions, exploring the roles of banks and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in facilitating credit within the livestock sector, thereby unlocking its potential for economic growth. Alongside the important policy discussions, the launch of the NLM-EDP Dashboard established a platform for sharing key project information related to the livestock sector, enhancing transparency and accessibility for stakeholders. Furthermore, the operational guidelines for the National Livestock Mission were reviewed during this conclave, with success story booklets released to showcase effective strategies and practices implemented in the field. This collaborative effort is expected to propel sustainable development and entrepreneurship within India's livestock economy, promoting a transformative approach for rural livelihoods. Looking forward, the Entrepreneurship Development Conclave will likely serve as a foundational step towards comprehensive support for innovation and growth in the livestock sector. By integrating insights from various sectors, policymakers are set to recalibrate strategies aimed at driving inclusive growth, ultimately benefitting farmers and stimulating economic activities at local levels.