Ludhiana: The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister S Bhagwant Mann, is embarking on a significant initiative to augment farmers’ income and promote diversification within the state’s agricultural sector. In a strategic move, the government is poised to increase the fish farming area from the current 16,812 hectares to an expanded 20,000 hectares. This expansion is anticipated to substantially elevate fish production to 2 lakh tonnes.
The announcement came from Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Punjab’s Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development, and Fisheries, on the occasion of “National Fish Farmers Day.” This day is celebrated to honor the contributions of Professor Dr. K.H. Alikunhi and Dr. Hiralal Chaudhury, who achieved the first successful induced breeding of carp fish in India on July 10, 1957.
Minister Khudian extended his congratulations to fish farmers and stakeholders, emphasizing that fish seed production will be further increased to 25 Crore, up from the current 20 Crore, in the coming years.
Encouraging farmers to embrace fish farming as a viable income source, Minister Khudian revealed that a subsidy of Rs. 20 Crore has been disbursed to 366 beneficiaries for various projects under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) Scheme.
Highlighting the government’s efforts in developing the fisheries sector, the Cabinet Minister disclosed that an insulated van with a subsidy has been provided for the transportation of fish and related products. Additionally, the state’s first mini fish feed mill in Jalandhar district, backed by a subsidy, is being established in the private sector.
Khudian noted the presence of 15 Government Fish Seed Farms, 11 Fish Feed Mills, and 7 Soil-Water testing Laboratories in the state, all aimed at facilitating fish farmers.
In a significant move, the government is also offering free training for fish and shrimp farming. Subsidies ranging from 40% to 60% have been extended to various fisheries sector projects, including new fish and shrimp ponds, re-circulatory aquaculture systems, bio-floc culture systems, fish shops, fish transportation vehicles, cold storage facilities, and more. These initiatives are aimed at providing self-employment opportunities for the younger generation.
Special attention is being given to saline-affected districts, with concerted efforts to scale up shrimp farming. The Demonstration Farm-cum-Training Center in Village Ena Khera, Sri Muktsar Sahib district, is now fully operational, offering comprehensive support to shrimp farmers
As the state’s shrimp farming area has crossed 1200 acres, the government is steadfastly working to expand it to over 5,000 acres in the next five years.
