Himachal Pradesh’s Technical Education Minister, Rajesh Dharmani, has urged the Fisheries Department to prioritize fish processing to address the surplus in the market by focusing on value-added products. During a meeting on Tuesday evening, Dharmani stressed the importance of aligning fisheries initiatives with tourism, according to an official release issued on Wednesday.
The Minister highlighted the need for schemes that engage young people, encouraging their participation in fish farming. He pointed out that the state government is offering subsidies of up to 80% for fish pond construction, making it a lucrative opportunity for local communities.
Dharmani suggested linking these schemes with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) to provide additional benefits for those involved in fish production. He also proposed establishing fish vendor zones along key tourist routes, including the Mandi Bharari-Aauhar-Manali corridor, given Bilaspur’s proximity to popular destinations like Chandigarh, Manali, Dharamshala, and Shimla.
“These initiatives could attract tourists to experience local fish dishes, creating new employment opportunities for youth and fishermen,” Dharmani said. He further directed the department to host fish food fairs to boost the visibility of local products.
The meeting also addressed the low fish production in Chamera and Ranjit Sagar Dams, as well as the limited local interest in fish farming in Kol Dam. Dharmani called for intensified efforts to increase fish production in these areas to generate more employment for local communities.
To modernize the fisheries sector, the Minister directed officials to integrate the state’s fish farm directory and vendor locations with online platforms, including Google Maps, to enhance accessibility for tourists and consumers alike.
According to the official report, Himachal Pradesh produced 17,721.64 metric tonnes of fish during 2023-24, generating revenue of Rs 273.49 crore, marking an increase of Rs 12 crore from the previous year.
Source: The Week Magazine