Mukul spells out plan to make State fish sufficient

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, March 18: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma today said that the State government intends to bridge the gap between the demand and supply of fish in the State by the year 2017-2018.

Replying during the Question Hour today, Dr Sangma said that the Aqua Mission Document is dymic in ture and not static.

“Therefore, we will integrate additiol approach in order to achieve our target,” the Chief Minister told the House.

Earlier, Dr Sangma said that the funds sanctioned by both the State government and the Centre for the development of fishery ponds (both individual and community) and fish hatcheries is to the tune of Rs 169, 26, 10, 565 during 2008-2009 to 2014-2015. He informed that the State government’s share was Rs 46.83 crore while, the Central government’s share was Rs 122.42 crore.

The Chief Minister also informed that the fisheries department has sanctioned and released an amount of Rs 113, 38, 30, 153 to be disbursed to the farmers/entrepreneurs.

The total number of beneficiaries in the State from 2008-2009 to 2014-2015 under various components is 26, 439.

Dr Sangma also informed that the estimated total requirement of fish for consumption in the State annually is 33, 000 metric tonnes.

Dr Sangma also said that the State will import fish from outside till it becomes self-sufficient in fresh water fish.