Fish production reached 22068 quintals in Bandipora district last year, while as efforts are afoot to increase the production and improve the socio-economic conditions of fishermen, this was stated during a function today organized by the Fisheries Department here.The District Development Commissioner Bandipora presided over the function, which was also attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Director Fisheries, officials of the Department and a large number of fishermen.The DDC was briefed that of total 22068 production as many as 22018 quintal fish catch came from natural water bodies, 27 quintals from Departmental units and 23 quintals from carp and trout ponds established under private sector.
For increase in fish production, it was given out that 42 carp units and 16 trout units have, so far, been established in the district, while as 2 carp and one trout unit is under construction.On the occasion, the DDC also distributed cheques worth Rs 2.50 lakh among 10 poor fishermen as first installment under Housing Scheme for construction of low cost houses. He stressed for sensitizing people about various welfare schemes so that they avail benefits from these schemes.It was said that financial assistant of Rs 75000 each will be provided to the deserving fishermen in three installments for which a monitoring committee has already been established.