Ten new fish farms approved in Sopore

Srinagar, Mar 18: The government has taken significant steps to promote the fisheries sector in Sopore, granting licenses for 10 new fish farms while ensuring full clearance of pending applications. Additionally, multiple welfare schemes have been introduced to support professional fishermen in the region.
In response to an unstarred question raised by MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the government in its reply said that all 10 applications for fish farm establishments in Sopore have been processed and approved with no pending cases.
“The newly approved units will enhance fish production in the region and create livelihood opportunities for local entrepreneurs, it said.
To uplift professional fishermen in Sopore, it said the department has introduced several schemes aimed at improving livelihoods, providing financial aid, and ensuring social security. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a total of 1,282 fishermen have received an annual financial assistance of ₹3,000 during the lean fishing period,’ it said.
The government has also extended insurance coverage under the Group Accidental Insurance Scheme (GAIS) to registered fishermen in Sopore.
“The scheme offers a sum assured of ₹5 lakh in case of accidental death or permanent total disability, ₹2.5 lakh for partial disability, and ₹25,000 for accidental hospitalization,” it said.
Furthermore, the PMMSY scheme has facilitated the construction of 161 low-cost houses for houseless fishermen in Sopore. The initiative, earlier supported under the Blue Revolution Scheme, has now been transitioned under the PMMSY framework to continue assisting eligible fishermen in need of housing support.
“We are committed to strengthening the fisheries sector in Jammu and Kashmir by providing financial incentives, infrastructure development, and social security measures. These initiatives aim to boost fish production, support local fish farmers, and improve the living standards of fishermen in Sopore,” it added.