By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 12: With over 35,000 fish farmers and 4,500 hectares dedicated to fish culture, Meghalaya’s Fisheries sector experienced a production growth of 12.33% per cent, rising from 4,799 metric ton (MT) in 2011-12 to 20,208 MT in 2023-24, thanks to state and central government initiatives and the efforts of local fish farmers.
This was highlighted by Meghalaya’s Minister in-charge of Fisheries department, AL Hek, at the 2nd Fisheries Summer Meet 2024, held in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, on Friday.
The event was marked by the e-inauguration of projects by Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, in the presence of Union Minister of State for Fisheries and other state ministers and dignitaries.
In his address, Hek emphasised the state’s strong commitment to sustainable development in the fisheries sector and its significant role in the socio-economic framework. He underscored the sector’s importance not only as a source of livelihood but also as a cultural and environmental cornerstone. He noted that Meghalaya’s per capita fish consumption increased to 11 kilograms in the past five years, driven by programmes like the Blue Revolution and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which added 2,299 hectares of tanks and ponds and improved technology and infrastructure for fish production.
Hek remarked, “Fisheries are not only vital for our economy but are also a key part of our cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.”
Or the future, the minister outlined Meghalaya’s strategic focus on sustainable practices through initiatives like the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission and conservation efforts for native fish species via community-managed sanctuaries and protective breeding areas. He announced plans for the mission’s third phase, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency with improved financial frameworks.
Acknowledging the unique challenges posed by Meghalaya’s terrain, Hek underscored the necessity of timely financial assistance and insurance to mitigate the impact of natural calamities on fish farmers. He called for robust cross-sector collaboration to address these issues.
In his closing remarks, the Minister earnestly appealed to the Union central government to expedite the approval and sanction of proposed schemes by the Fisheries department of Meghalaya since the last Summer Meet in 2023. He invited stakeholders to collaborate with Meghalaya in building a sustainable future for fisheries.
Many projects across India, funded under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) were e-inaugurated including four projects worth Rs 57 lakh in Ri-Bhoi — a Fish Kiosk at Liarbang by Ronal Tado, Biofloc Ponds at Mawkangi and Mawiong by Sohbang of Pyrkhatjngai Syngkli and Manbhatiolin Kharmyndai, and an Indigenous Breeding Unit at Lalumpam Marngar by Gumbir Syiem.