Srinagar, March 13: Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Parshottam Rupala, who was on two-days official visit to Union Territory of Leh (Ladakh) reviewed the functioning of the Fisheries Department.
According to an official statement issued after the visit, spokesperson said the objective of the visit was to strengthen the fisheries sector.
He said the main objectives of the review meeting was to facilitate interaction with beneficiaries, fish farmers, fishermen and stakeholders so as to disseminate information of various fisheries related schemes and programs being implemented by the Government.
The Minister on the occasion expressed solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholder as a spirit of Atma Nirbhar Bharat.
He called for promoting responsible fisheries with focus on sustainable balance between the utilization of fisheries resources for food security and livelihoods of fisher communities.
While interacting with the officers, the minister also called for upgradation and creation of infrastructure to ensure sustainable and responsible development through an ecosystem approach.
During the visit minister Parshottam Rupala interacted with the beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY) scheme at Kargyam Satoo and reviewed its implementation besides other multidimensional activities of blue revolution with major focus on increasing fisheries production and productivity (for both inland and marine) and its associated activities, including infrastructure development, marketing, exports, and institutional arrangements.
He highlighted about the implementation of PMMSY scheme in all the States & Union Territories and spoke in detail about eliminating the critical gaps in the value chain of fisheries through implementation of schemes such as PMMSY and KCC for beneficiaries, fish farmers and fishermen.
While highlighting the achievements of the department, Rupala said the department established 4 new trout fish hatcheries, constructed 200 new raceways, sanctioned establishment of 4 RAS, sanctioned 4 ornamental breeding & rearing unit, constructed 5 fish kiosks and 20 motorcycles with ice boxes under post-harvest transportation units.
Further, he threw light on the financial achievements under the fisheries sector for Blue Revolution, PMMSY, KCC with a total targeted investment of Rs 47 Crore and central fund allocation of Rs 30 Crore.
Rupala also highlighted the need to expedite the implementation of said project, and utilization of funds released for the purpose.
During the visit, the Minister took public meetings at Phobrang and discussed various activities within the departments besides interacting with fish farmers and fishermen. The stakeholders interacted with the minister and put forth their issues and suggestions.
“This interactive session helped to come out with the issues being faced and the same will be worked upon for improvement on fisheries development,” spokesperson said.