Lucknow-based National Bureau of Fish Genetics Resources (NBFGR) is extending a helping hand to migrant workers from eastern Uttar Pradesh. These workers, who had migrated to other states for employment, faced challenges during the lockdown, losing jobs and savings. Now, the NBFGR is stepping in to assist them in starting fisheries businesses, aiming to foster self-reliance.
The initiative targets migrant labourers in 14 districts of Uttar Pradesh, where a significant number of workers worked in other states before the pandemic. With the majority relying on government aid, the plan is to engage around 3,000 families in the fisheries sector. Kuldeep K Lal, Director of NBFGR, stated, “We provide training and technological help to these workers. They can use this to set up successful businesses.”
Given the fisheries sector’s status as the second-fastest-growing meat industry in the country after poultry, experts believe that migrants can capitalize on this upward trend. NBFGR experts will train the workers in farming various freshwater fish and crustaceans like prawns and crabs.
The director emphasized the advantages of the initiative, citing the easy availability of space and fresh water in the area, making it conducive for migrant workers to initiate their businesses. Additionally, collaboration with local district administrations will facilitate the process of starting businesses and obtaining loans from banks.
The districts set to benefit from this initiative include Ballia, Ghazipur, Gorakhpur, Sultanpur, Mau, Sonbhadra, Gonda, Basti, Jaunpur, and Azamgarh. This strategic move not only addresses the economic challenges faced by migrant workers but also aligns with the broader goal of empowering them to become self-sufficient once again.