Punjab's Aquaculture Yields Over 14 Crore Fish Seed Annually: Minister
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Synopsis
Punjab Fisheries Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian announced the state's growth in aquaculture, with over 14 crore high-quality fish seeds produced annually. The government supports farmers with subsidies and training, encouraging youth and women to engage in the fisheries sector.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab produces over 14 crore fish seeds annually.
- 16 government fish seed farms and 11 fish feed mills operational.
- Financial assistance of Rs 27 crore provided to 500 beneficiaries.
- Free training in fish farming offered monthly.
- Encouragement for youth and women to join the fisheries sector.
Chandigarh, Feb 12 (NationPress) Punjab Fisheries Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian announced on Wednesday that the state has experienced significant progress in the Fisheries sector due to a series of initiatives aimed at boosting fish production and aquaculture development.
The state government's fish seed farms are generating over 14 crore premium-quality fish seeds each year, which are being offered to farmers at subsidized prices.
Khudian mentioned that there are 16 government fish seed farms, 11 fish feed mills, and seven laboratories available for fish farmers, reporting a production of 14.74 crore fish seedlings up to December 2024, compared to 13.90 crore in 2023.
With 43,973 acres dedicated to fish farming, the state achieves 181,188 tons of fish production sourced from natural waters, private, and panchayati ponds.
The minister emphasized the encouragement given to youth and women in the region to pursue fisheries as a livelihood, with financial support ranging from 40 to 60 percent of unit costs for various projects.
Financial assistance totaling around Rs 27 crore has been provided to more than 500 beneficiaries under various schemes, including initiatives for expanding fish and shrimp farming areas, establishing Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS), biofloc culture systems, and acquiring transportation for fish and its products.
Free monthly training in fish and shrimp farming is also offered, alongside technical support for pond preparation, seed stocking, fish rearing, and harvesting.
To ignite the blue revolution in Punjab, Khudian stated that the department has embraced modern techniques and improved infrastructure to elevate fish production and aquaculture development, ultimately aiming to enhance farmers' incomes.
The state's infrastructure has been bolstered by establishing a new government fish seed farm in Killian Wali village, Fazilka district, and a new retail fish market in Ghalauri village, Patiala district. The minister urged state farmers to explore this allied sector to augment their earnings.
He noted that six fish and shrimp farmers from Punjab were honored by the Union government on the occasion of the 76th Republic Day in New Delhi.
