Fisheries Department Highlights ICAR Network’s Role in Advancing Technology Transfer and Implementing PM-MKSSY

by Fishery News

New Delhi: The Department of Fisheries has underlined the critical role played by the ICAR Fisheries Extension Network in advancing technology transfer and promoting outreach initiatives in the fisheries sector. The focus of a key meeting held on October 25, 2024, was to discuss ways to enhance support for fish farmers and ensure the effective implementation of the newly launched Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).

The meeting, chaired by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including officials from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DoA&FW), ICAR, Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARI), Matsya Seva Kendras, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, fisheries officers from states and union territories, as well as experts from research and training institutions.

In his keynote address, Dr. Likhi emphasized the importance of fisheries extension services in bridging the gap between fish farmers and critical resources, technology, and government support. He noted the establishment of both a High-Level Ministerial Committee and a Secretaries Committee to explore strategies for improving technology dissemination and outreach across fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying sectors.

Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, presented an overview of the PM-MKSSY scheme, outlining its key components and the benefits it promises to deliver to fish farmers. He highlighted the significance of the ICAR extension network in ensuring that government initiatives reach farmers effectively and foster sectoral growth.

Meanwhile, Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, provided a detailed presentation on the Post Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources (VISTAAR). The VISTAAR framework is designed to improve access to agricultural resources and streamline communication between farmers and government services.

The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration among various institutions to ensure the smooth implementation of PM-MKSSY. Participants stressed the need to strengthen capacity-building programs, promote technical innovation, and enhance connectivity between fish farmers, state fisheries departments, and research organizations.

A key takeaway from the discussions was the need to integrate traceability modules to support sustainable growth in the sector. The meeting called for greater coordination across ICAR institutes, state agencies, and training bodies to boost networking efforts, encourage innovative technology adoption, and provide fish farmers with timely technical guidance.

This collaborative initiative reflects the government’s commitment to sustainable fisheries development and aims to enhance both the productivity and livelihoods of fish farmers nationwide.

 

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