Madurai, Tamil Nadu, hosted the ‘Fisheries Summer Meet 2024’ organized by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India. The event aimed to recognize the contributions of fish farmers, aquapreneurs, and fishermen in developing the fisheries sector, showcasing the achievements of DoF (GoI) and raising awareness about the sector.
Union Minister Shri Rajeev Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh inaugurated 312 fisheries projects across 19 States/UTs with an investment of Rs. 114 crores under the flagship scheme Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Shri Singh emphasized the importance of high-quality seeds, brood banks, RAS, Biofloc, deep-sea vessels, and technology infusion to boost production. He encouraged States/UTs to raise awareness about Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) and insurance.
Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, and Panchayati Raj, highlighted the significance of knowledge exchange among beneficiaries and officials from various states. He stressed the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the critical role of fishers and fish farmers in meeting rising food and nutrition demands.
Union Minister Inaugurates Fisheries Projects at Fisheries Summer Meet in Madurai
Fisheries Summer Meet 2024 Highlights Contributions of Fish Farmers and Aqua Preneurs
Shri George Kurian, MoS of MoFAH&D and Ministry of Minority Affairs, noted the achievements of the Indian fisheries sector and the unique contribution of inland fisheries. He emphasized substantial investments in schemes and the government’s vision for holistic growth, prioritizing socio-economic prosperity for fishers and farmers.
State Fisheries Ministers shared their states’ growth and development in the fisheries sector, focusing on technical training, capacity building, handholding, technology infusion, and research. They also proposed prioritizing support for the families and welfare of traditional fishers and fish farmers.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary, DoF, GoI, welcomed the senior leadership gathering, followed by a video on DoF (GoI) achievements. Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (IF), presented the sector’s progress and efforts made by DoF (GoI), covering various focus areas, including production, aquaculture, and ongoing schemes. He also introduced the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a new sub-scheme under PMMSY.
Beneficiaries from different States/UTs interacted with Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, discussing their experiences and issues and appreciating DoF (GoI) efforts. Dr. J.K. Jena, DDG (Fisheries) from ICAR, presented research and development initiatives in fisheries and aquaculture, followed by discussions with state representatives.
The observations from the Fisheries Summer Meet 2024 are expected to define priorities for the successful implementation of projects and identify sectoral needs for the sustainable, equitable, and inclusive development of the Indian fisheries sector.
