Parvathipuram manyam District Collector Shyam Prasad emphasized the need for fish producers in the district to achieve economic growth. As part of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), a training program on forming fish farmers’ producer organizations was conducted at the Collectorate on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, the Collector stressed the importance of enhancing fisheries in the district, which currently generates an annual income of only ₹194 crores. He noted that around 96,000 people are directly or indirectly dependent on fisheries. He directed District Fisheries Officer (DFO) Vemula Tirupatiah to address any misconceptions or doubts among fish farmers regarding aquaculture practices.
The district has approximately 1,800 ponds within its panchayats, which should be optimally utilized for fish farming. The Collector instructed the DFO to ensure the distribution of fish seeds by November each year. He also informed that the PMMSY scheme will conclude by March 31, 2025, and that the central government has sanctioned ₹2.5 lakh in the first phase for forming producer organizations.
Fish producers requested Bolero vehicles for fish transportation, to which the Collector assured consideration and necessary action. He highlighted that while there are around 2 lakh fishermen listed in the village secretariat records, active and accessible members should be included in the organization to ensure effective functioning.
The event was attended by District Fisheries Officer Vemula Tirupatiah, prominent industrialist and Fisheries State Coordinator K. Gangadhar, DRDA APM Bharti, and others.