SHILLONG, Oct 26: The state government is looking to promote fisheries in the state as ecotourism to create more employment opportunities through the sector.
Informing this on Wednesday, Secretary of Fisheries department, SC Sadhu, said the government has taken a number of measures to increase fish production in the state including the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission 2.0, which aims to make the state self sufficient in fish production.
“We are implementing the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission 2.0 with the aim to make the state self sufficient in term of fish production. We are also looking to promote fisheries as an ecotourism to create more employment opportunities through fisheries sector,” Sadhu told reporters on the sidelines of the 6th State Aquafest, which was held at the State Central Library.
As per official figures, the state produced 14,000 metric tons of fish in the fiscal year 2020. The figure is slightly higher as compared to the previous year.
Earlier, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had stated that the state produces only about 50 per cent of the state’s total consumption of fish annually which is 30,000 metric tons.
The Fisheries secretary said the department is focusing in capacity building, skills, and other capacities besides improvement of infrastructure of fish farmers through various interventions.
Talking about the aqua fest, he said the department is organising the annual event to encourage fish farmers and provide them the opportunity to sell their produce.
This will also facilitate interaction with various entrepreneurs, he added.
The top official said this platform will enable fish farmers to learn about the latest technologies, while improving their production and availing better price for their produce in the long run.
The fish farmers from across the state are participating in the aqua fest along with convergence from different departments like Agriculture, Soil and Water Conservation as well as Animal Husbandry.
Sadhu hoped all beneficiaries including the fish farmers would benefit from the programme.
Meanwhile, Assistant Director of Fisheries department, David Kharwanlang, said new technologies like bio-floc farming, which requires much lesser space, are being implemented and subsidy of up to 60% is being provided under central schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) as well as Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission 2.0, wherein beneficiaries are assisted and given subsidies to set up ponds.
Kharwanlang also added that the government has selected Mawlyndep village in Ri-Bhoi district under cluster approach where 100 bio-floc tanks will be set up.
