Karimnagar: Fishermen in Karimnagar district have expressed dissatisfaction with the State government over the distribution of undersized and low-quality fish seedlings. Members of several fishermen cooperative societies have refused to release these seedlings into water bodies, citing concerns about their size and the timing of delivery.
Cooperative societies from Manthani, Palakurthi, and Anthergaon mandals in Peddapalli district recently turned away vehicles delivering the seedlings, rejecting the consignment outright.
As per standard guidelines, fish seedlings measuring 80mm to 100mm should be released into perennial water bodies, while smaller seedlings, around 35mm to 40mm, are reserved for seasonal tanks. However, fishermen allege that the government disregarded these norms by supplying smaller seedlings unsuitable for the water bodies in question.
The timing of the supply has also drawn criticism. Fishermen noted that July and August are the ideal months for stocking water bodies, as fish seeded during this period typically grow to optimal sizes. Had the seedlings been supplied by August, the fish would have already reached 300 to 400 grams by now. Instead, the government’s distribution began only in mid-October, a delay that fishermen say will hinder growth potential.
In light of these issues, cooperative societies are demanding financial compensation from the government, arguing that many of them have already stocked the water bodies at their own expense earlier in the season.
Fisheries department officials acknowledged the delay, attributing it to holdups in finalizing the tender process. Last year, approximately 6.32 crore seedlings, valued at Rs 6.38 crore, were distributed across 2,965 water bodies in the former Karimnagar district. However, the current year’s late and substandard supply has strained relations between the department and the fishing community, with fishermen now seeking remedial action.
Bottom of Form
