In a step towards strengthening the fisheries sector, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, in presence of Assistant Director Fisheries, today distributed 94 ice boxes among registered fishermen and fish farmers of the district.
The ice boxes have been procured by the Fisheries Department under the Jammu and Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement Project (JKCIP) to support post-harvest management and improve the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Speaking on the occasion, the DC highlighted that the initiative is part of the long-term goal of the Jammu and Kashmir Government to double the income of people associated with agriculture and its allied sectors. Minga Sherpa said that the initiative aims to enhance the shelf life of fish produce, minimize post-harvest losses, and promote hygienic handling, especially among street fish vendors.
Furthermore, the DC added that by enabling safe storage and transportation of fish, the intervention is expected to help beneficiaries avoid distress sales and access better market opportunities, thereby improving their income levels.
The DC also noted that the ice boxes would play a key role in maintaining the quality and freshness of fish, ensuring the supply of safe and hygienic produce to consumers, adding that such measures not only benefit producers but also enhance consumer confidence in locally produced fish.