NONGPOH: In a bid to help farmers meet the ever-growing demand for fingerlings in the State, the first fish seed eco-hatchery unit in the private sector under the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission was inaugurated at Nongthymmai village in Umsning, Ri-Bhoi District.
The fish seed eco-hatchery was inaugurated by State Chief Secretary P.B.O. Warjri in the presence of Principal Secretary, Fisheries Department, K.N. Kumar.
Others present on the occasion included Director of Fisheries, I.R. Sangma, MCAB Managing Director M.D. War, Ri-Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Pooja Pandey, entrepreneur and owner of the hatchery unit, Archibland S. Kharpuri along with other local farmers from different part of the district.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Warjri applauded the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission for its effort in providing financial support to the fish farmers of the State while also appreciating the effort of the hatchery owner for constructing the eco-hatchery for production of fingerlings.
“The first eco-hatchery in Ri Bhoi District will surely address the daily demands for fingerling in the State as many farmers had been depending on fingerlings from other states, thereby investing more money to meet the demand which has affected the poor farmers in the State,” Warjri said.
While congratulating the eco-hatchery entrepreneur and owner, the Chief Secretary said, “I hope that this hatchery unit will help to boost the economy of many fish farmers who will not have to depend on fingerlings from other states.”
Kumar said that the eco-hatchery unit has been implemented by the Superintendent of Fisheries, Ri-Bhoi and it covers a water area of two hectare and the total financial assistance involved is Rs.16 lakh which includes Rs.9.60 lakh subsidy, Rs.4 lakh bank loan and Rs.2.40 lakh beneficiary contribution.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Secretary inspected the fish seed eco-hatchery unit and also released fingerlings.