Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Abdul Gani Kohli on Wednesday visited Demonstration Fish Farm Pandach where Fish Farmers Development Agency had organized a 3-days Skill Development Programme on composite fish culture.The capacity building programme was sponsored by National Fish Seed Development Board, Hyderabad and 50 farmers including women from 10 districts of the Valley participated.Interacting with the farmers on the occasion, the Minister exhorted to increase the frequency and scope of such programmes. He said such programmes lead to exchange of inter-personal experience of cultural practices and disseminations of latest methods in fish farming.
On the occasion, the Minister also distributed a compensation cheque of Rs 1 lakh to a fisherman who had met an accident during fishing. He said that the focused attention is being given to promote the fish culture in the State and in this regard various flagship programmes including Blue Revolutionary Scheme has been introduced in the State.He said the Government is committed to promote the fish culture in the State. He said there is a huge scope of fish farming in the State but need is to provide guidance and latest techniques to the interested farmers. He called for proper guidance and awareness to the fish farming farmers. He said boosting of fish farming will improve socio-economic conditions of the farmers besides creating employment opportunities to the unemployed educated youth.
The Minister appealed the farmers to come forward and take advantage of the welfare schemes launched by the State and Centre.The Farmers put forth their demands and suggestions on the occasion which include covering Private Fish Farmers under Fish Insurance Scheme. They also appealed the Minister to provide proper transportation facility to private farmers so that they can send their produce to markets without delay. The Minister gave them a patient hearing and assured them that their genuine demands will be looked into.Taking detailed appraisal about the 3-Day programme, the Minister was informed that the programme is imparted by the Fisher Farmers Development Agency at Demonstration Centre Pandach where diverse activities of fish culture like trout, carp and ornamental fish rearing is being carried out on demonstration basis. The Farm has unique feasibility parameter where all these activities are practised at the same site. The training programme includes practical training demonstration lectures, field visits, debates and discussions, question and answers, dissemination and distribution of fish culture material like brochures, manuals and other allied reading materials. The Minister also distributed certificates of participation among the participants of the programme.Earlier, the Minister launched a good number of fingerlings of silver fish and golden carp into newly constructed Fish Pond at Pandach, Srinagar.Among others, Director Fisheries, R N Pandita and other Senior Officers of Fisheries Department were present on the occasion.