Shillong (Meghalaya), Sept 14 : An inter active session was held by Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan , Union Minister of State for Fisheries with the fish farmers of East Khasi Hills District assisted under PMMSY at Sohra in the presence of the Director of Fisheries, Smti. A.L. Mawlong, and the officials of the Department of Fisheries.
The status of the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana was discussed in which the Director of Fisheries informed that the State has completed over 75% expenditure of the funds released in 2021-22 and will place the requisition for subsequent releases of funds.
A brief highlight on the fisheries scenario in the State of Meghalaya was highlighted in which it was informed that the State’s area under Grow out Ponds stood at 3500ha covering 27000nos of fish farmers. The Fish production from these ponds in the current financial year is 18000MT with an annual demand of 32000MT . The State has a huge reserve of fisheries resources and has a potential of attaining self sustainability in fish and fish seed production by increasing more Aquaculture Areas through Grow Out Ponds and quality Seed Production Areas.
The State’s various issues pertaining to its requirement of further Area Expansion through Grow out Ponds to cover more numbers of Fish Farmers was brought to light in which it was informed that an additional 4000ha needs to be brought under Aquaculture for the State to achieve self sufficiency.
The State also brought to the notice of the chair, the huge potential the State has in riverine and recreational fisheries and the efforts towards Conservation of Mahseer through community co-managed fish sanctuaries has been an icon project of the state. 79 nos. of fish sanctuaries has been established in the State which has now gained popularity as eco-tourism sites for both international and national tourism.
Beneficiaries from East Khasi Hills raised and brought to notice various experiences they have shared in fish culture and the potential the sector has for livelihood and entrepreneurship. A young entrepreneur who received assistance under PMMSY for Motorcycle with ice box has now started home delivery services in the Sohra sub-division area.
The Union Minister encouraged further enhancement of the sector as there is a huge potential with the available natural resources, for Livelihood Promotion and self- sufficiency in Fish Production.
