A review meeting on SASCI 2026-27 in Nagaland discussed livestock sector reforms, implementation challenges and piggery support.
DIMAPUR — A review meeting on the implementation of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) 2026-27 under Livestock Sector Reforms in Nagaland was held at Zone Niathu, Chümoukedima, on July 11.
According to a DIPR report, the programme was organised by the Animal Husbandry Statistics Division under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS), Nagaland.
Inaugurating the meeting, Adviser (STATS/NDLM/SASCI), Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, Jagat Hazarika said the visit was aimed at reviewing the implementation of SASCI 2026-27 in Nagaland and understanding the challenges faced by the state.
He said the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance had allocated INR 3,000 crore under SASCI 2026-27 for all states in recognition of the growing contribution of the livestock sector to the economy.
He informed that states had been classified into four categories based on the size of their livestock sector, with Nagaland placed in Category D.
Hazarika said the scheme provides performance-based incentives to states that meet prescribed qualifying and performance criteria.
He added that the assistance is linked to capital investment, including long-term loans and eligible capital expenditure, and encouraged participants to openly discuss state-specific issues to facilitate practical solutions.
Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, AH&VS, Angelina Tajen said the livestock sector remains an important pillar of the state's economy and reaffirmed the department's commitment to ensuring that every intervention under SASCI and the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM) translates into meaningful benefits for livestock farmers.
Describing SASCI as a major Government of India initiative that provides incentive-based financial support for livestock sector reforms, she said the department had assigned 10 Joint Directors to oversee all 17 districts to ensure closer monitoring, better coordination and greater community participation.
Tajen said the state continues to face several implementation challenges, including difficult terrain, poor connectivity, adverse weather conditions, OTP-based portal updates, livestock insurance issues and constraints in the dairy sector.
She said completing the programme within the stipulated timeline remained the biggest challenge and called on officers to work in mission mode to achieve the targets.
She also urged the Ministry to expand support for the piggery sector, noting that pig farming is deeply embedded in Nagaland's culture and economy.
She advocated promotion of indigenous pig breeds such as Nagal and Tenyivo and sought enhanced support for biosecurity, restocking and compensation under the African Swine Fever Control Programme in view of the recurring outbreaks in the state.
Expressing confidence that the deliberations would generate valuable recommendations, Tajen said the review meeting would help assess implementation strategies, identify bottlenecks, strengthen coordination and develop practical solutions for a stronger and more resilient livestock sector.
Delivering the welcome address, Director of AH&VS, Dr. Kuokehebi Gwirie welcomed the officials from the Ministry and thanked them for their continued guidance and technical support.
He said the department, established in 1964, had discharged its responsibilities despite limited financial resources and described SASCI as a well-designed, performance-based initiative that would enhance transparency and accountability in implementation.
The programme featured technical presentations on SASCI and the National Digital Livestock Mission by Sunil Kumar, Senior Statistical Officer (AHS Division), DAHD, and Dr. Chubasangla, Joint Director and State Nodal Officer (NDLM), AH&VS Nagaland. Dr. H. Inato Jimomi, Joint Director, AH&VS, also presented a PowerPoint on the Smart Livestock Farming Project, Vision 2047.
RPS Rathore, Additional Statistical Adviser, DAHD, Government of India, proposed the vote of thanks. Following the meeting, the visiting officials inspected two dairy farms at Ura village and Ward-10, Chümoukedima.