Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources in Kohima distributed 20 motorcycles equipped with ice boxes to unemployed youths in Nagaland. This initiative, part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for the year 2022-23, aims to encourage sustainable fish business in the region.
A Pangjung Jamir, Advisor to Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, highlighted the significance of the centrally sponsored PMMSY program, emphasizing its historical impact on enhancing fish farming and production nationwide. The program aligns with ecological health objectives and targets economically viable and socially inclusive growth for the benefit of fish farmers.
The distribution ceremony saw the allocation of motorcycles with ice boxes to unemployed youths, providing them with essential tools for engaging in sustainable fish business. The main objective is to generate self-employment opportunities for fish farmers and entrepreneurs by facilitating the marketing of fish farm produce. The motorcycles with ice boxes address the challenge of transporting perishable fish from harvest areas to markets, preventing spoilage and ensuring the availability of high-quality fish for consumers.
The Advisor stressed the importance of this program in regions with hilly terrain, where traditional four-wheelers face challenges in accessing fishery ponds. Two-wheelers, in this context, provide an effective solution for collecting and distributing fish, even in interior areas with limited road connectivity.
Beneficiaries were urged to utilize the opportunity with dedication and adhere to directives provided by the department. The vision is to promote successful and sustainable fish business for daily livelihood.
Lotimenba, Additional Director of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, explained that the distribution of motorcycles with ice boxes aims to create an effective marketing system for transporting fish from harvest areas to markets and distant locations. The initiative seeks to prevent losses due to spoilage and fetch better prices for fish producers and traders.
Director of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Rongsennungba, highlighted that the beneficiaries come from various parts of the state, contributing to the broader goal of enhancing sustainable fish business practices in Nagaland.