By TC News Desk
Agartala, September 19, 2022: Secretary of the Fisheries department BS Misha on Monday said that various developmental programs are being implemented by the central and state Governments to increase fish production in the state.
Speaking to reporters here at Civil Secretariat on Monday afternoon, Mishra highlighted the notable achievements and future plans of the Fisheries department. He informed about the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana implemented in the state and said that this scheme has been adopted in the state for 5 years. The Central Government has sanctioned Rs 22 crore to the state for the implementation of this scheme in the financial year 2022-23. Excavation of new reservoirs in 175.65 hectares has already been completed under this scheme. 201.44 hectares of water bodies have been assisted with necessary materials for fisheries. 14 hatcheries including one shrimp hatchery are being constructed. Of these, the construction work of 5 has been completed. Construction of 8 out of 24 colorful fish breeding centers has been completed, he added.
The top official of the department said that 41 biofloc units have been set up in the state. 6 fish markets have been opened. 1 out of 3 Jeol fish sales centers has been opened. Two more will be launched soon. Initiatives have been taken to set up 13 fee feed mills. In addition, the scheme provides assistance for purchase of bicycles, motorcycles and tricycles with thermal insulation. Out of this, 216 bicycles, 64 motorcycles and 39 tricycles were purchased. The Chief Secretary also said that 5 hatcheries have been constructed in 2021-22 under the National Fisheries Development Board under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samada Yojana.
A fishery resource survey is conducted every year to find out various information related to fisheries such as production, amount of water bodies under fisheries, number of fishermen etc. According to the Fishery Resource Survey data for the financial year 2020-21, there are 1,95,808 fishermen in the state. There are 2,12,445 reservoirs for fish farming. The catchment area is 21,368.99 hectares, Mishra told reporters.
He also provided statistics on the amount of water bodies used for fish farming and other information. He said that every year fish production is increasing by almost percent. But it is a little interrupted due to monsoons. The Secretary said that the demand for fish fry in the state is very high. Special emphasis has been given to the economic development of fish farmers by increasing the production of fish fry. Therefore, the Department of Fisheries is also working on increasing the quantity and quality of fish food in the state, he said.
