Principal Secretary of Fisheries P. Shakil Ahammed today said that the State has a total of 79 fish sanctuaries while the momentum of sustainable fishing is picking up, which helps in curbing global warming.
During a celebration of mark World Fisheries Day which was also held as part of the State’s Golden Jubilee Celebration, Ahammed was upbeat that protection and preservation of water bodies started a long way back in Meghalaya.
He also informed that the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission 2.0 is bridging the gap of supply and demand of fishes in the state.
Speaking on the aim of the day, Ahammed said Fisheries Day is to make fisheries sector globally vibrant, sustainable and replenishable so that fish farmers will survive, water will prevail and nature can sustain the whole economy, livelihood and future of the planet.
Fisheries minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar who attended the function as chief guest said the objective of the state government is to have a sustainable fish production to cater to the needs of the state and also to generate employment opportunities and to raise the livelihood of the farmers.
He said the government is exploring ways to link fisheries and tourism sector in order to boost revenue collection and create employment opportunities for the youth.
The State Award for best progressive fish farmer was given to Silme Ch. Marak of South West Garo Hills and District awards for best progressive fish farmer were also given to farmers.
As part of the celebration the department also conducted photography competition on the theme “Water Life and Livelihood”. Stalls were also erected at the venue where farmers from all the districts of the state displayed their produce for sale.
A booklet on ‘Composite Fish Culture and Biofloc Technology’ was released at the function. Two wheelers were also distributed to beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) 2020-21.
