Shri George Kurian, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying and Minority Affairs arrived in Aizawl today. He was received at Lengpui Airport by Mr. Lalthansanga, Fisheries Minister, Er. Lalrothanga, Fisheries Department Secretary, Ms. Laltleipuii, Fisheries Director and other department officials.
The Union Minister visited private fish ponds in Lengpui as well as the proposed site for the Fish Farmers’ Training Centre under the North Eastern Council (NEC), Laldenga Fisheries Demonstration Farm, Lengpui.
On this occasion, the Fisheries Minister and department officials conveyed the challenges faced by fish farmers in Mizoram, and sought the Minister’s approval for project proposals submitted to the Central Government for the development of fisheries, including one for the Integrated Aqua Park at Zawlnuam, Mamit.
The Union Minister highlighted the Equity Grant under the Fish Farmers Producer Organisation (FFPO) to resolve the financial challenges faced by fish farmers. He suggested local production to address challenges related to fish feed acquisition, which could be in the form of startups.
Shri George Kurian emphasised on the need to make fish farmers aware of government schemes catered to them, and assured the officials that he would send officers to conduct outreach programmes. The Union Minister stated that the Central Government gives priority to the states in the Northeast, and that Mizoram has potential for developments in the fisheries sector.
He was informed by the department officials that 26.5% of 24000 hectares land is suitable for aquaculture.Upon reaching Aizawl, Shri George Kurian visited Ornamental Fish Rearing Units in Khatla that have been chosen as Sales Outlets under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samapada Yojana (PMMSY).
PMMSY is a scheme implemented by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, to bring about Blue Revolution through sustainable development of fisheries sector in India.
It is designed to address critical gaps in the fisheries value chain with an aim to modernise and strengthen the sector while ensuring the welfare of fishers and fish farmers.