As part of Central Government's Public Outreach Programme, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Dr. L. Murugan today visited Trout Fish Farming Project Kokernag.During his visit, the Minister inspected the rearing units, machinery and other facilities available at the farm besides interacting with the fishers and fish farmers. He handed over PMMSY trout unit allotments to the beneficiaries and distributed certificates of excellence among the fishers.Worth to mention, under this scheme an amount of Rs. 5.50 lakhs per unit is provided to the holders. Besides, financial assistance for housing, setting up mini feed mills etc is provided to the fishers.On the occasion, the Minister was informed about the targets, achievements, production and other progress of the department.Interacting with the growers, the Minister said the government has created a separate ministry for fisheries which befits the significance of the sector. He said adequate funds for upliftment of this sector have been allocated and various important schemes with provisions for financial assistance along with technical support are in operation.
To boost the fisheries sector and related activities besides doubling the income of growers, PMMSY, a multi-component and multi-dimensional scheme was launched, said the Minister. He maintained that the government is committed to ensure its smooth implementation adding the active involvement of all stakeholders is equally important.District Development Commissioner Dr. Piyush Singla, Director Fisheries B. A. Bhat, SSP Asish Mishra, Joint Director Fisheries South Kashmir Dr. Peerzada Irshad Ahmad, SDM Kokernag Sarib Sahran, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Anantnag Dr. Abbas, Deputy Director Fisheries Siddique Ahmad Wani and other concerned officers besides PRI members, fish growers and farmers accompanied the Minister.At the conclusion, PRI members and growers put forth their demands like provision of proper market facilities, insurance cover etc.The Minister listened to them patiently and assured to address their genuine demands in due course of time.