A farmers’ interaction meet was organised by the Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (CIFA) at Kausalyaganga and KVK, Khordha, at Bhubaneswar on Thursday.
Around 120 farmers, including 30 women from SHGs participated in the interaction, organised to apprise Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Mohanbhai K Kundariya during his visit to the institute and provide information regarding fish hatchery owners, farmers, planner and other stake holders in fisheries sector.
CIFA Director Dr P Jayasankar highlighted on different schemes implemented by the Union Government for improving livelihood of farmers. Jayasankar stressed that there is a need to realise second Blue Revolution in fisheries sector through implementing scheme via the Ministry and active involvement of farmers.
Farmers, State fisheries officials and other stakeholders raised many issues, including non-availability of subsidy in fish feed, lack of cold storage for horticultural crops, higher cost of agri-inputs, lower price of agricultural produce, etc affecting the farming communities. The farmers were impressed upon the Minister that educated youths want to start agri-business enterprises but inadequate support from the Government and banks are major hurdles. In response, the Minister assured that the Centre would take all necessary steps to solve these problems.
The Minister also visited CIFA fish farms, ornamental unit and feed mill. While inaugurating an exhibition stall, he encouraged the farmers and SHGs to take up farming in a scientific manner and produce sufficiently by which local communities can get maximum benefits. He assured the farmers of providing different subsidies and schemes in collaboration with State Government for enhancing livelihood of farmers.