Fisheries Deptt. celebrates National Fish Farmers day

Port Blair, July 10: The Department of Fisheries organized a programme at Freshwater Fish Seed Farm, Nayagaon on the occasion of National Fish Farmers day today (July 10, 2019). The day was celebrated in remembrance of Scientists Dr. K.H. Alikunhi and Dr. H.L. Chaudhry, who had invented induced breeding technology on this day way back in 1957. The Secretary (Fisheries), A&N Administration, Smti. Nitika Pawar, was the chief guest on the occasion.

The chief guest stressed upon the need for better co-ordination between the Department and Fish Farmers for promotion of Freshwater Fish culture in the Islands. She directed the Department to strengthen the extension activities for disseminating technical information as well as the schemes available for the benefit Pisciculturists to undertake freshwater fish culture. The Department was advised to start a toll free number for responding to any queries of farmers on Freshwater Fish farming. She also highlighted about the various initiatives being taken by the Department for promoting aquaculture activities and betterment of Fisher communities. The Secretary also appreciated the efforts of the Department in promoting the systematic way of Fish farming in the Islands.

Earlier the Director of Fisheries, Dr. Utpal Kumar Sar briefed about the importance of National Fish Farmers Day and appealed the farmers to adopt advanced scientific methodologies for improving the pond production. He also informed the gathering on the initiatives of the Department for meeting the seed and feed requirement of farmers.

An interactive session was organized, wherein the Fish farmers invited attention of the Department on various issues related to freshwater aquaculture activities. The Secretary directed the Department to take immediate steps for redressal of the grievances. On a suggestion put forth by the farmers, the Secretary agreed to constitute a committee comprising representatives of fish farmers, Department of Fisheries and other institutions to attend the farmer’s grievances and also to share information on technological advancements to farmers.

The Secretary also distributed live fish seed packets of genetically improved Jayanti Rohu, which has shown promising growth rate in ponds, to all the farmers present on the occasion. The fish seeds are produced by the Department Hatchery produced. Altogether 50 Fish farmers from different areas of South Andaman attended the programme.

 

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