In a bid to popularize the Fish Farming in the waterlogged and barren area of the state, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has constituted Fish Farming Development. A high level delegation of 17 members has also visited the neighboring country China to get hold of the latest techniques for fish farming. This delegation was also accompanied by 8 fish farmers.Disclosing this here today Gulzar Singh Ranike, Animal Husbandry, fish farming and dairy development minister said that the state government has devised a special policy to propagate Fish Farming among the farmers of the state. He said that traditional cultivation of Paddy and Wheat crops has now proved to unproductive, so the government has been encouraging the farmers to opt for fish farming to sustain their income.
He said that an executive committee of 9 members has also been formed under Fish Farming Development Board under the chairmanship of Financial Commissioner, Animal Husbandry, Fishery & Dairy Development. He said that among the other member to be inducted in this Board would be Vice Chancellor, GADVASU, a member nominated by Financial Commissioner, Additional Chief Executive Officer of Livestock Development Board, Director Fisheries and small and big progressive fish farmers.He said that the department has also decided to set up 14 art ‘Fish Seed Farms’. Among these farms 7 such farms would be set up at Raike Kala (Bathinda), Malwal (Ferozpur), Hayatnagar (Gurdaspur), Dosanj Nabha (Patila), Mohi (Ludhiana), Faridkot and Rajasnasi (Amritsar). He said that these farms would be set up during the financial year 2014-15 with the investment of Rs. 18.34 crore and rest of seven would be established in next year.
The Minister further said that up till October 2014, 30672 hectare area has already been brought under fish farming and efforts are underway to bring more waterlogged and sub-barren land of the state under fish farming. He said that during the year 2012-13, 1870 lac fish seeds were produced whereas during this current year 2088 lac of fish seeds have been produced. He said that during first 10 months of this current year 3992 farmers have been imparted training for fish farming.