AMPATI: In a move to encourage and promote the sale of local fish and boost the local economy, the Fisheries department organised a District Aquafest 2019 at Ampati mini stadium recently.
The Aquafest will be an annual affair and will act as a catalyst to support and promote local fish farmers besides encouraging entrepreneurs to take up fish-farming activities which, in turn, will ensure self-sufficiency in fish production.
The fisheries department has made a significant contribution in addressing the food security and economic progress of the people of the rural areas.
With the government focusing on ‘blue revolution’ to boost fish production and address the problem of food security and malnutrition in the country, the department has undertaken various schemes under MSAM for development of fisheries in the state.
Additional Deputy Commissioner SC Laloo, while addressing the gathering, commended the fisheries department for providing a platform for fish farmers to promote their products. He urged the fish farmers to be proactive and avail government assistance being provided to them through the fisheries department.
Speaking on the need to put in hard work to reap healthy benefits, Laloo urged the entrepreneurs not to be dissuaded after a venture has failed to give expected yields but to work consistently to attain self-sufficiency and economic independence.
Earlier, Superintendent of Fisheries George W Momin informed that the department had put in a proposal to the government to provide insulated or oxygenated vans to private entrepreneurs for transportation of live fish seeds without causing physical injury to them and for supply of fresh fish to retail fish markets.
He also said that the department is chalking out plans to develop bheels and lakes besides introducing cage culture to immensely boost fish production in the region.
