Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today urged his Andhra Pradesh counterpart Chandra Babu Naidu to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Punjab and Andhra Pradesh to have a long lasting partnership in the field of fish hatcheries, fish rearing and post harvest technology.Badal made this request to Mr. Naidu when the latter called on him at his residence this evening and the same was readily conceded by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister.Taking part in the deliberation, Mr. Badal apprised the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister that Punjab was one of the foremost states in the fisheries with highest per hectare fish production of 9076 kg against the national average of nearly 4000 kg. He told Mr. Naidu that Punjab had recently launched a pilot project of raising modern fish farms over an area of 600 acres which would serve both as a model as well as demonstration farm for the prospective fish farmers.Highly appreciating Andhra Pradesh as one of the most evolved states in fish production, Mr. Badal suggested Mr. Naidu to depute a team of experts and progressive fish farmers who could visit Punjab and advise their farmers on the matter of fish hatcheries, fish rearing and post harvest technology. Mr. Badal further said that we should have a regular exchange of fish farmers in order to derive maximum benefits from the best practices being adopted by these two states. He also requested Mr. Naidu to depute one or two retired fisheries experts or scientists to utilize their services for harnessing maximum potential from fisheries sector.
Mr. Naidu assured the Chief Minister of all possible help and support to Punjab for the adoption of best practices in fisheries for supplementing the income of the fish farmers through replicating its ‘success model of fisheries’ in the state. He also sought transfer of technology and know-how from the Punjab government to develop dairy sector in Andhra Pradesh through the exchange of progressive dairy farmers and experts as Punjab was the leading state in the country for the advanced practices in dairying and breeding techniques. He categorically said that agriculture alone could not contribute much to the national GDP unless we give a push towards the overall development and growth of allied farming sector in terms of sheep rearing, goatry, piggery, apiary besides floriculture and horticulture.Acceding to the request of Mr. Naidu, the Chief Minister said he would soon send a delegation of progressive dairy farmers and experts to share their vast experience and expertise with the dairy farmers of the Andhra Pradesh to give further fillip to the milk production.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Mr. Adesh Partap Singh Kairon, Additional Chief Secretary (Animal Husbandry) Mr. Mandeep Singh Sandhu, his Principal Secretary Mr. S.K. Sandhu and Special Principal Secretary Dr. S.K. Raju.