21st 'National Fish Farmers Day observed in Silchar

SILCHAR: The 21st 'National Fish Farmers Day' was observed in Cachar on Saturday. On this occasion, a programme was held at the hall of Fishery Development Office complex here.

Deputy Commissioner Cachar Keerthi Jalli graced the occasion as the chief guest. Also present on the occasion were Subodh Das -- nominee of Silchar MLA Rathindra Nath Saha -- and Fishery Development Officer Rafiqul Haque -- representative of Fishery Minister Parimal Shuklabaidya.

At the outset all the dignitaries were felicitated with the traditional Assamese 'gamosa', and it was followed by the lighting of inaugural lamp by the dignitaries.

It is pertinent to mention here that the 'National Fish Farmers' Day is commemorated every year to pay respects to the Fishery scientists Dr Hiralal Choudhary and Dr K.H Alikunchi who had invented the 'Hypophysation Technique'-induced breeding of the 'Indian Major Carp on July 10, 1957.

The technology of induced breeding has made the country self sufficient in fish Seed production and thus significantly contributed towards the blue revolution. The primary objective of celebrating this day is to ensure sustainable stocks and a healthy ecosystem. On this day, various functions are held to honour the fish farmers, 'aquapreneurs' and stakeholders and all involved in the activities of fisheries and aquaculture .

Speaking on the occasion, Cachar Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli said, "The Assam government is taking various steps to increase fish production in the district and make it self-reliant so as to prevent fish imports from outside the State. The Department of Fisheries is also taking steps against moves to illegally import fish. So I urge all to consume only the locally-produced fish for good health. I also appeal to the fish farmers to become more self sufficient by increasing their production of fish.

"There is a fish outlet outside the Fishery Development Office from where local fish in fresh condition and in hygienic condition are being supplied at the doorsteps of consumers."

Dwelling on the various steps being undertaken by the State government, DC Jalli said, "Two laboratories will be established to diagnose fish diseases under the 'Prime Minister Matsya Sampada Yojana'. Interested farmers may come forward for taking this opportunity".

The DC also stated that the Irrigation Department is working under 'Jal Jeevan Mission', to supply water during the dry season for the fish farmers. The new Government is formulating many plans for the overall sustainable development of the Fishery sector. Jalli also appreciated the fish farmers for their outstanding contribution towards fish production.

Earlier, District Fishery Development Officer, Cachar, Rafiqul Haque provided an overview on the significance of celebrating this day. He also explained the different ongoing schemes such as the PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana), RIDF, PMBSY, BR, RKVY among others which are aimed at uplifting the socio-economic status of the fishermen community of the district. He also informed that 1,721 beneficiaries were approved for the uplift of their socio-economic status through fishery activities under various projects of the PMMSY during 2020-21 in the district.

Nominee of Silchar MLA Rathindra Nath Saha and representative of the Fishery Minister, Subodh Das also spoke on the occasion. In the event, Subash Das was also felicitated and honoured with the 'Progressive Fish Farmer' award for his contribution towards aquaculture in the district. Das shared his experiences with the people present on the occasion.

In the event, four beneficiaries were handed over motorcycles with icebox and each of the 20 beneficiaries was given a cheque of Rs 2,400 under PMMSY Scheme as a one-time assistance. The Cachar DC ceremonially handed over the cheques to the beneficiaries, and later flagged off three motorcycles with icebox, stated a press release issued from DDIPR office Silchar.

Also Read: Fish Farmers' Day observed by ICAR-CIFRI in Guwahati

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