National

To support rain-fed farmers cultivating chilli and horticultural crops, Chief General Manager of NABARD, R. Sankar Narayanan, inaugurated a solar drier in Sinnur near Vilaathikulam. The solar drier, covering 400 square feet and costing ₹3.05 lakh, is dedicated to efficiently drying chillies without pollution from dust and sand. NABARD allocated funds for this initiative through its Sinnur watershed restoration program, totaling about ₹1.73 crore.

Mr. Sankar Narayanan emphasized NABARD’s commitment to funding watershed development and restoration programs in areas facing water scarcity. The creation of farm ponds, sustained by monsoon water, has positively impacted rural livelihoods, enhancing farmers’ productivity. Watersheds developed through NABARD funding are now managed jointly by local watershed management committees for long-term sustainability.

As part of the silver jubilee celebrations of Vidiyel Trust, the organization implementing the Sinnur watershed development program, Mr. Sankar Narayanan distributed country chickens, bio-fertilizers, and tree saplings to women’s self-help groups. Additionally, he reviewed the progress of Sinnur watershed restoration and approved the formation of ‘Vidiyel Farm Producers Company Limited’ for cattle breeding by farmers in Sinnur and nearby villages.

Continuing the development streak, District Revenue Officer C. Ajay Srinivasan, in the presence of Mr. Sankar Narayanan, launched open sea cage fish farming under the ‘Integrated multi-tropic aquaculture (IMTA) farming’ initiative at Tsunami Nagar and Pullaveli near Thoothukudi. This collaborative program between NABARD and the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute’s Thoothukudi Research Station aims to train beneficiary fishermen in cultivating Asian Sea Bass in two floating sea cages.

During the launch, 1,000 fish seeds, mussel seeds, and seaweed seedlings were released into each cage, showcasing NABARD’s commitment to innovative and sustainable aquaculture practices. The CMFRI’s successful demonstration of IMTA technology in Palk Bay has provided an eco-friendly and sustainable option, generating additional revenue for coastal fishers through increased yields. This initiative not only aligns with aquaculture innovation but also serves as an alternative livelihood, contributing to the economic upliftment of coastal communities.

The illicit cultivation of the banned Thai Magur fish in village ponds across Punjab is causing alarm over potential threats to the state’s ecosystem and public health. This carnivorous species, known for its rapid growth and adaptability, poses a significant danger to native fish and aquatic life when it infiltrates natural water bodies such as rivers and canals.

Despite a clear ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in 2000, the unlawful production of Thai Magur persists in various parts of the country, with Punjab emerging as a prominent hotspot for this illegal activity.

The cultivation of Thai Magur in contaminated ponds exacerbates the issue, as the fish thrives on a diet of poultry waste, pesticides, and human waste, leading to serious health risks, including cancer. Despite fines of up to ₹10,000 and repeated warnings from environmental experts, the illicit trade in Punjab continues, placing significant strain on authorities’ efforts to curb its production.

Punjab’s fisheries sector heavily relies on panchayat ponds, which have historically played a crucial role in rural society. However, increasing pollution from human waste, chemicals, and pesticides has rendered these ponds unsuitable for traditional fishing practices, impacting the socio-economic well-being of rural communities.

Dalbir Singh, the district in charge of the state fisheries department, acknowledged the cultivation of the banned fish in the region and the challenges faced in curbing its illegal trade. Singh highlighted the difficulties in conducting regular raids due to a shortage of manpower. The logistical challenges involved in transporting confiscated consignments nearly 30 km away to Mullanpur farm for proper disposal, as per government protocols, further compound the issue.

Environmental experts have issued warnings about the dire consequences of cultivating the banned fish in polluted ponds. The predatory nature of Thai Magur disrupts the delicate balance of pond ecosystems by preying on other aquatic insects and small fish. This ecological disturbance has far-reaching implications, particularly in the aftermath of floods that have facilitated the spread of this variety to fresh water sources, including the Sutlej river. Authorities are grappling with the urgent need to address this issue to safeguard both the environment and public health in Punjab.

Puducherry: Union Minister of Fisheries, Parshottam Rupala, emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by fishermen nationwide during a visit to the Thengaithittu fishing harbour in Puducherry on Sunday.

As part of the Sagar Parikrama Yatra, Minister Rupala toured coastal areas on both the east and west coasts to assess the progress of various Central schemes and engage with fishermen to better understand their issues and experiences.

Highlighting the significance of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Mr. Rupala urged fishermen, women self-help group members, cooperative societies, and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the benefits offered under this scheme.

During his visit to the Cuddalore fishing harbour, the Minister interacted with local fishermen, accompanied by L. Murugan, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, along with senior officials from the Fisheries Department.

The presence of Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy and Lieutenant Governor Tamilasai Soundararajan underscored the significance of the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the fishing community. Minister Rupala’s coastal tour serves as a proactive approach to ensure the effective implementation of policies and schemes aimed at benefiting fishermen across the nation.