 Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, July 8: The Director of Fisheries, J&K, Mohammad Farooq Dar, JKAS, distributed first-year inputs to the beneficiaries who have constructed Trout Rearing Units under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) during the year 2022-23 at Trout Farm, Laribal, Srinagar today. It was announced that 87 raceways have been constructed under different schemes in the Srinagar district, along with the introduction of land and water-efficient technology for fish farming, such as Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS). One Re-circulatory Aquaculture System has also been established in the district. During the occasion, about 16 beneficiaries, including women, were provided inputs in the form of Trout seed, feed, and equipment like handle nets and covering nets. The Trout Farm Laribal has produced 2.50 lakh Trout fingerlings and distributed 1.5 lakh seeds to private fish farmers. The Brown Trout Seed produced in the farm is stocked in natural water bodies of Kashmir for species conservation and to attract tourists for angling purposes.
It was revealed that out of the total 1,144 trout rearing units and 1,222 Carp units established under the private sector in the UT, the department has established 545 trout rearing units and 41 Carp units to provide employment opportunities to rural youth under the PMMSY. The department officer informed the Director that more youth are showing interest in adopting fish farming as an economic enterprise. The involvement of youth in fisheries and aquaculture-related activities will provide them ample opportunities to sustain their livelihoods and ensure nutritional security. The Director emphasized that fish culture is a less labor-intensive activity with good returns, which can improve the socio-economic conditions and income of farmers.
In addition to supplying quality fish seed at subsidized rates to fish farmers, the department conducts an annual seed stocking program in various water bodies, including rivers, streams, community ponds, lakes, and sars. During 2022-23, the department stocked 8.40 lakh Trout and 51.30 lakh Carp seeds in suitable water bodies in J&K. This activity aims to conserve natural water bodies by augmenting them with fish seed and enforcing fisheries regulations to curb illegal fishing, enhance fish productivity, and provide livelihood opportunities to rural communities. Increased fish production will boost the economic scenario of the area and create opportunities for local people to earn a livelihood through fisheries and aquaculture-related activities.
The Director instructed the concerned officers to fully utilize the potential of departmental hatcheries to increase the production of quality fish seed and support private fish farmers. He also urged the officers to identify potential areas in their districts to prioritize setting up more fisheries units in the private sector for the sector's growth and the welfare of those involved in the trade. The Director emphasized the need to generate awareness among the general public, especially unemployed youth, about starting fisheries-related businesses. He directed field staff to work diligently, implement conservation measures, enforce fisheries regulations in natural water bodies, and establish anti-poaching squads to prevent illegal fishing activities.
During the occasion, the Director was accompanied by the Joint Director Fisheries (Chenab Valley), Jammu, Joint Director Fisheries (South), Kashmir, Chief Project Officer, RFFDA, Srinagar, and Assistant Director Fisheries, Srinagar. |
