Annual fish production has crossed 20-lakh ton mark in the Kashmir valley and is on increase due to stocking of quality seed and assiduous efforts of the Fisheries Department.This was stated today at a meeting chaired byDivisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan, to review functioning of the Fisheries Department.Joint Director Fisheries, Deputy Director Fisheries, Assistant Directors and other concerned attended the meeting.The meeting was informed that 20.08 lakh ton of fish is being produced annually against an approximate demand of about 25 lakh tonnes in the Valley, while as 4 lakh tonnes of fish is being imported annually.For the Development of the sector, it was said that under Prime Minister’s Employment Package, Rashtriya Kissan Vikas Yojana (RKVY) and other centrally sponsored schemes 706 private ponds have been established, so far, out of which 293 are for rearing trout fishes and 413 for Carp fish sector.
The Divisional Commissioner was also briefed about the progress made under various schemes and projects like PM’s Package for creation of Employment opportunities, Fisheries Training and Extension, National Welfare Scheme for Fishermen; Construction of Low cost Houses, Group Insurance Scheme for active Fishermen, Providing of Tool Kits and Nylon Twine and RKVY.He was further told that for the welfare of the fishermen, 1533 low cost houses with a unit cost Rs 75000 have been constructed for fishermen in the Kashmir division. While as Boats, Bicycles and Auto Rickshaws were provided to registered fishermen for efficient marketing delivery system to enhance their economic profile.On the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner said that the State possesses enormous potential of angling due to its location and abundance of such streams. He stressed that if tapped properly, this can attract high-end tourists to the State.
But he cautioned that adequate measures should be put in place to keep a check on illegal poaching at angling sites.In order to boost angling sports, he directed the Department to submit a DPR for renovation of rest houses at all fisheries farms in the valley so that these can be developed on modern lines for national as well as international angling sport lovers. He further directed the officials of Fisheries Department to stop crushing of stones near the streams mapped by the Department immediately and asked them to deal with violators strictly according to the law.The Div Com also directed the Srinagar Development Authority officials to provide suitable space at Sangarmaal Complex to Fisheries Department for opening of a fish retail outlet there.During the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner directed the Fisheries Department officers to make a comprehensive plan so that trout fish can be supplied to outside State.