Fisheries Summer Meet 2024, India’s commitment to fisheries sector development !!!

Tamil Nadu: The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, organized the ‘Fisheries Summer Meet 2024’ on Friday, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The event aimed to recognize the contributions of fish farmers, aquapreneurs, and fishermen, showcase the achievements of the Department of Fisheries (DoF), and raise awareness about the sector.

Major investments and projects

Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh inaugurated 312 fisheries projects across 19 states and Union Territories, representing an investment of Rs. 114 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). He emphasized the importance of high-quality seeds, brood banks, RAS, Biofloc, deep-sea vessels, and technology infusion to boost production. Singh also encouraged states and UTs to promote awareness about schemes such as Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and insurance.

Addressing sector challenges

Singh acknowledged the challenges posed by the unorganized nature of the fisheries sector but expressed confidence that collaborative efforts among stakeholders would address these issues. He underscored the role of various stakeholders in implementing PMMSY, which aims to enhance fish production and productivity through modern methods.

Sustainable practices and economic impact

Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, S P Singh Baghel, highlighted the exchange of knowledge and perspectives among beneficiaries and officials. He stressed the significance of the fisheries sector in bolstering the Indian economy and the importance of sustainable fishing practices to enhance productivity while minimizing environmental impact. Baghel also advocated for the approval of KCC for beneficiaries from the Animal Husbandry and Fisheries sectors.

Achievements and investments

George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and the Ministry of Minority Affairs, praised the achievements of the Indian fisheries sector, particularly the contributions of inland fisheries. He emphasized substantial investments in schemes and the Government of India’s vision for holistic growth, prioritizing socio-economic prosperity for fishers and farmers.

State-specific initiatives

State Fisheries Ministers shared the growth and development of the fisheries sector in their respective states. They identified state-specific gaps and areas of focus to ensure sustainable growth, proposing support for traditional fishers and fish farmers’ families, and prioritizing technical training, capacity building, technology infusion, and research.

Senior leadership and discussions

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of DoF, welcomed the gathering, which included presentations and discussions on various focus areas. Joint Secretary (IF) Sagar Mehra outlined the progress of the sector, the impact of ongoing schemes, and the goals of the new sub-scheme, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY).

Beneficiary interaction

Beneficiaries from different states, including Harendra Rabha (Assam), Prem Shankar (Bihar), Purnima Sahu (Chhattisgarh), and others, interacted with Union Minister Rajeev Ranjan Singh. They shared their experiences, highlighted issues, and appreciated the support received under PMMSY and KCC, which helped make their initiatives successful.

Research and development initiatives

Dr. J K Jena, DDG (Fisheries) from ICAR, presented on research and development initiatives in fisheries and aquaculture. This was followed by deliberations with representatives from various states, focusing on infrastructure strengthening, maintaining a comprehensive fisheries database, ease of availing KCC, availability of quality seed, and boosting tourism.

The insights from the Fisheries Summer Meet 2024 are expected to play a crucial role in defining priorities at the Center and States/UTs for successful project implementation and addressing sectoral needs for the sustainable, equitable, and inclusive development of the Indian fisheries sector.