In a momentous event commemorating the third anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Matasya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY), the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (FAH&D), Parshottam Rupala, inaugurated the “Matsya Sampada Jagrukta Abhiyan” in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. The meticulously organized event, hosted by the Department of Fisheries, saw the presence of esteemed guests, including Dr. L Murugan and Dr. Sanjeev K Balyan, Ministers of State for FAH&D.
This extensive six-month campaign embarks on a dual mission: firstly, to facilitate the widespread dissemination of information and knowledge concerning nine years of the central government’s achievements, and secondly, to bring to the forefront the inspiring success stories of beneficiaries from across the nation.
Amidst the event, Minister Rupala also inaugurated several pivotal projects that are taking their initial steps on the national stage. Addressing the audience, he lauded the remarkable progress achieved by Madhya Pradesh, which has witnessed a substantial surge in fish production, soaring from 1LT to 3LT over the past three years under the PMMSY. Minister Rupala announced the greenlighting of a proposal for an innovative aquapark in Bhopal, boasting a substantial investment of Rs 25 crore. This avant-garde aquapark is set to encompass a cutting-edge research center, advanced processing facilities, immersive aqua tourism amenities, and ornamental fisheries facilities, among a myriad of offerings.
In a noteworthy development, Minister Rupala underscored the successful amendment of the Coastal Aquaculture Act, attributing this accomplishment to the steadfast leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He underscored the pivotal role of continued expansion in shrimp farming to bolster India’s prominent global standing in this sector. The Union Minister commended the women actively involved in the fisheries industry, emphasizing the significance of women’s empowerment, and encouraged their sustained engagement in pearl culture to augment their income. During the event, he also distributed Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to deserving beneficiaries.
Minister of State, Dr. Sanjeev K Balyan, underscored the paramount importance of the fisheries sector, highlighting the remarkable increase in the sector’s budget, surging from Rs 300 crore to over Rs 38 thousand crore since 2014. Dr. L Murugan elucidated the remarkable achievements of the Indian fisheries sector, particularly through government initiatives and schemes like PMMSY. He expounded upon the manifold benefits of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) for fishers and fish farmers.
A comprehensive booklet chronicling nine years of achievements in the Indian fisheries sector since the inception of the Ministry was introduced as a part of the event. Additionally, an exhibition spotlighting a myriad of activities related to the Department of Fisheries was showcased during the event. The Member of Parliament and Minister for Fisheries in Madhya Pradesh, Tulsi Silawat, also delivered a compelling address.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying (MoFAH), shed light on the sector’s remarkable strides in fish production, exports, and shrimp production, as well as the concerted efforts being made to promote schemes across all regions in India.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation, with approximately 75,000 beneficiaries benefiting from 239 projects attending both in person and virtually, representing 35 states and union territories. These beneficiaries passionately shared their stories of success, further underscoring the transformative impact of the government’s initiatives in the fisheries sector.