STF Formed to Curb Fish and Meat Price Hike Ahead of Magh Bihu: Krishnendu Paul

With Magh Bihu’s Uruka approaching, the Assam government has taken strict measures to prevent arbitrary price hikes of fish and meat.

Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Krishnendu Paul on Saturday issued a stern warning to unscrupulous traders, stating that any illegal increase in prices would invite stringent action, including imprisonment.

The minister announced the formation of a Special Task Force (STF) jointly by the Fisheries Department and the Animal Husbandry Department to conduct inspections across fish and meat markets throughout the state. He asserted that traders must sell fish and meat strictly at the prices fixed by the respective District Commissioners.

“Those found violating the price regulations will be sent to jail. Both departments have already been activated to ensure strict enforcement during the festive period,” Paul said, adding that the STF will carry out market-to-market inspections to keep prices under control.

The government’s move aims to protect consumers from exploitation during the Magh Bihu celebrations, particularly on Uruka, when demand for fish and meat surges.

Maitri Training and Awareness Programme Launched at Khanapara

Earlier in the day, the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Khanapara, in collaboration with the Assam Livestock Development Agency (ALDA), inaugurated a training programme for Gramin Bharat Multi-Purpose Artificial Insemination Workers (Maitris) along with an Artificial Insemination Awareness Camp at the Regional Artificial Insemination Training Institute (RAITI), Khanapara.

The programme is being organised under the Government of India’s flagship welfare initiative, the National Gokul Mission, aimed at strengthening livestock development and improving breeding services in rural India.

During the inaugural ceremony, arrangements were made to release incentive honorariums to Maitris based on their performance in service delivery. Officials informed that till March 2024, the Assam Livestock Development Agency has successfully trained 1,267 Maitris across Assam, significantly expanding artificial insemination services in rural areas.

Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Krishnendu Paul , along with several senior officials and other distinguished guests, was present at the programme. Addressing the gathering, the minister highlighted the critical role played by Maitris in enhancing livestock productivity and supporting rural livelihoods in the state.

Also Read: Assam: Gauhati High Court bans fishing in Kaziranga water bodies during Magh Bihu