Jharkhand is more recognised in the field of minerals. But, the effort of the present Government is that Jharkhand should also leave its indelible mark in the country and the world as a State with fish farmers, livestock farmers and progressive farmers. It can be a great medium of self-employment and can become a vehicle of livelihood and economic self-reliance of youth, women and farmers living in rural areas. There is no dearth of water bodies in Jharkhand. With the participation of the villagers, Jharkhand can become a leading state in fish production,” said Chief Minister Hemant Soren while addressing the fish farmers and beneficiaries of 24 districts online on the occasion of National Fish Farmer's Day-2021.
The CM said that the process of giving the benefit of KCC to the farmers is going on. More and more farmers should get the benefit of this. Work is being done for this purpose. Instructions have been given to take applications from the needy at the district level. Farmers shared the problem of not getting KCC. On this, the CM said that the problem would be dealt with soon.
Soren said that fisheries would be promoted as per the demand of the types of fish in the market. For this, various big fish markets of the country are being assessed. The government will soon take a final decision on this and work to improve the efficiency of the farmers.
The Chief Minister said that work is being done on the scheme to mobilise resources for the economic prosperity of the rural population. The government is working to promote fish farming by making extensive use of various water sources, ponds, reservoirs of the state. By doing this Jharkhand can come in the category of leading states in fish production. Jharkhand has a historical role in animal husbandry along with agriculture. This is the reason why the livestock scheme was implemented, due to which the rural population of the state is getting benefited by doing animal husbandry.
In order to talk to the beneficiaries, the CM directed the Deputy Commissioner, Chaibasa to construct a fish market for the fish farmers so that the fish farmers get convenience. The market should be at par with the newly constructed fish market in Dumka. Also, promote cage culture and RAC from DMFT in closed open mining area. Soren urged the beneficiaries to take up fish farming in all the vacant water bodies. The government will cooperate with you in every way.
Production of 2.38 lakh metric tonnes of fish was produced in the state in the year 2020-21, while there is target of production of 2.65 lakh metric tonnes of fish in the current financial year. For the availability of fish seed at the local level, the State is moving towards producing one thousand crore fish seed through 7500 trained fish seed producers. In the financial year 2021-22, 567 lakh fish fingers are being stored in various reservoirs.
Feed for cumin fish, fry catching net for seed production, grow-out net, fish spawn, bio-flak for fish farming, re-circulatory aquaculture system, ice box with e-rickshaw/auto-rickshaw, ice box with cycle, boat, hatchery for fish seed production, fish sale stall distribution, small fish feed mill, ice plant construction, life jacket and pond pond construction were distributed by the CM on the occasion.
Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperation Minister Badal, Secretary to Chief Minister Vinay Kumar Choubey, Secretary Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Cooperation Abbu Baqr Siddiqui, Director Fisheries HN Dwivedi and others were present on the occasion.