Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Dr. Sanjay Kumar Nishad, the Minister of Fisheries Development in Uttar Pradesh, announced plans to transform the Gomti Hatchery Fish Seed Production Center into the state’s first state-of-the-art hatchery. In the initial phase, the hatchery, located in Bakkas village, Lucknow, saw the development of a hybrid boundary wall, entrance gate, and tube well, amounting to Rs 195.44 lakh, inaugurated by the minister.
The second phase project, with an estimated cost of Rs 6 crore, has been submitted to the Government of India for approval. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, a State of Art Training cum Demonstration Center will be established at five hatcheries managed by the corporation, including Gomti Hatchery in Lucknow, Saryu Hatchery in Ayodhya, Triveni Hatchery in Prayagraj, Coach Hatchery in Jalaun, and Parikshitgarh Hatchery in Meerut.
The Department of Fisheries has proposed a total project cost of Rs 3062.42 lakh to the Government of India. Additionally, an MoU was signed with the National Bureau of Fisheries Genetic Resources, Lucknow, to promote the rearing of Operation Chitala and Operation Pabda Meen in the state.
Dr. Nishad emphasized the need to promote chitala fish in the state’s main rivers and ponds by fish farmers, with plans to rehabilitate chitala fish through river ranching in districts like Ghaghra in Ayodhya, Ganga in Varanasi, and Yamuna in Agra.
Utilizing the expertise of the National Bureau of Genetic Resources of Fisheries, technology will be developed for rearing and cultivating Pabda fish, contributing to the potential doubling of farmers’ income. The Fisheries Department’s schemes, including the Prime Minister’s Fisheries Estate Scheme, Chief Minister’s Fisheries Estate Scheme, Nishadraj Boat Subsidy Scheme, Fishermen’s Welfare Fund, Kisan Credit Card, Fishermen’s Accident Insurance, were highlighted during the event.
