SHILLONG: The first fish seed eco-hatchery unit set up under the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission was inaugurated by Chief Secretary WMS Pariat at Nongkohliew, Mawlai on Saturday.
The eco-hatchery unit, the first among the lot to be setup in the State under private ownership, is spread across 1.5 hectares and is expected to produce 25 lakh fingerlings by August this year.
Speaking on the occasion, Pariat lauded the Meghalaya State Fish Farmers Development Agency for the innovative approach which is crucial for successful implementation of the Aquaculture mission.
He also congratulated Alexander Syiem, owner of the hatchery unit while expressing hope that the unit would help meet the demand of fingerlings in the State.
The Aquaculture mission is one of the nine missions launched by the State Government in 2012 under the Meghalaya Basin Development and Livelihood Promotion Programme to develop its human resources by enhancing employability and earning potential of the people, especially in rural areas.
Earlier, Principal Secretary of Fisheries department, KN Kumar informed that a total of Rs 16 lakh has been spent in the project, which includes 9.60 lakh as subsidy, Rs 4 lakh as bank loan and Rs 2.40 lakh beneficiary contribution.
“More eco-hatchery units would be set up in South Garo Hills, East garo Hills, West Garo Hills, Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi Hills by August this year,” Kumar said while adding that 14 crore fingerlings is the requirement of the 12-year-plan and 1.25 crore fingerlings is expected to be produced by the end of the year by the five hatcheries.
