Minister of State for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries Zahoor Ahmad Mir today said the government has introducedvarious state and centrally sponsored schemes to increase the production of fish, mutton and poultry meat to provide benefit to the local producers.Replying to a question of legislator Naresh Kumar Gupta, the Minister said the Centre has sanctioned a mega project worth Rs. 14.11crore under Blue Revolution to develop Fisheries sector in the state. The Centre is also considering the fresh proposal of Rs 8.29 crore under Blue Revolution 2017-18 including other beneficiary orientation schemes, he added.He further informed that 22 Trout and 16 Carp Fish Units have been constructed in Doda for creating employment and source of livelihood to the locals. Giving details of production, the Minister said 20.39 thousand tonnes of fish production was achieved from all the resources during 2016-17 in the state and 4.76 thousand tonnes was imported from outside to meet the local demand.
Regarding Fish Farm Gatha in Bhaderwah, the Minister informed that Trout Rearing Unit was established at the cost of Rs 31.70 lakh and an amount of Rs. 1.26 lakh was realized from sale of Trout produced by the Unit till November 2017.
About upgradation of Trout Fish Farm Bheja at Bhaderwah, the Minister said the government has formulated the 2nd phase of the project at a cost of Rs 3.31 crore which is under consideration of Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation for funding.The Minister said a mini aquarium has also been established at Gatha in existing accommodation of the department. “It houses 10 glass aquaria’s which are on display to create awareness among the visitors regarding aquatic biodiversity and its conservation. An amount of Rs. 0.79 lakh has been utilized so far for establishment of said aquarium,” he added.He further said that the government would consider Bhaderwah for opening of new Veterinary/Livestock centres when it takes up the proposal for establishment of such centres in the state.