While lauding the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampad Yojana (PMMSY) for its potential to boost the growth of India’s fisheries sector, Dr. Joykrushna Jena, Deputy Director General (DDG), ICAR said there is an urgent need to set up more hatcheries for increasing quality fish seed production and creating a domestic market network for fish products in the country.
Talking to AQUA POST, Dr. Jena said, “There is a huge scope for the growth of the fisheries sector in the country. The Government is also keen to further develop the sector. We should emphasize on the assured supply of quality seed in the country. We should seriously think of setting up more hatcheries for producing quality seeds in large quantities. Also, private entrepreneurs should come forward and invest in this area. At the same time, we should invest in developing the local market, thereby ensuring easy availability of fish products.”
Adding further, Dr. Jena said, “Ensuring seed hatcheries with diversified species will increase fish production in the country. Also we should organize fish festivals and other promotional events to promote the domestic consumption of fish products. It is the need of the hour.”
The Union Cabinet recently gave its approval for the implementation of the PMMSY for the sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in the country. The scheme, comprising of two components – Central Sector Scheme (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) at a total investment of Rs 20,050 crore is expected to enhance the fish production in the country. The scheme will be comprised of the central share of Rs 9407 crore, the State share of Rs4880 crore, and the beneficiaries’ share of Rs5763 crore.
The scheme will be implemented during a period of five years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25. Apart from focusing on the enhancement of production and productivity, the scheme will emphasize on infrastructure development and post-harvest management and fisheries management and regulatory framework.
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