Dr. L. Murugan, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, said the country stands second in fish production through aquaculture. This is due to the contribution made by the scientists through development of breeding technologies for different fish species and culture of improved fish varieties.
He was addressing the 22ndNational Fish Farmers Day in a hybrid mode at NFDB Hyderabad on Sunday, celebrated by National Fisheries Development Board, Union Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying was also present.
More than 1000 fish farmers, aquapreneurs & fisher folks, professionals, officials and scientists from across the nation participated in the event. During the event, 4 posters as an outreach on Domestic Fish Consumption and sustainable production were released. Poster on“Fish for Motherhood” & “Fish Nutrients and their Wellness Benefits” were released by ministers.
Dr Murugan said that the country has a vast untapped fisheries potential. Realising the potential of the fisheries sector, the Government has launched the PMMSY, FIDF and KCC for benefit of the fishers and fish farmers in the country. To promote seaweed cultivation the Government of India sanctioned Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu and fishing harbours are being modernized across the country,
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan said that government is implementing the flagship scheme of PMMSY for benefit of fishers and fish farmers in the country with a highest outlay of Rs.20050 crore. He said that farmers should utilize the scheme, increase the fish production and productivity, and improve their socio-economic status. There is need to increase awareness of health benefits of fish among the consumers and NFDB has developed nice posters on this aspect.
Jatindra Nath Swain, Secretary Department of Fisheries launched the NFDB Lab project on “Assessment of pathogenic microorganisms along with nutrient and residual contaminant profiling in fish and aqua Feeds”. Onthe occasion NFDB and State Bank of India signed MOU to facilitate FIDF & Entrepreneur Models scheme.
