Lucknow: The Fisheries Department of Uttar Pradesh organized a grand event at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Auditorium, Cooperative Building, Lucknow, to mark World Fisheries Day. Fisheries Development Minister Dr. Sanjay Kumar Nishad highlighted the strides made in fishery technology and sustainability while unveiling the department’s plans for enhancing productivity and supporting the fishermen community.
Key Highlights of the Event
Sustainability and Productivity Initiatives
Dr. Nishad emphasized the need for sustainable practices such as stocking fish fingerlings in rivers, improving fish hunting management, and promoting indigenous fish species. The state achieved a remarkable fish production of 11.60 lakh metric tonnes in 2023-24, with a productivity rate of 5,539 kg/hectare/year, utilizing its extensive water resources.
Efforts are also being made to form 565 fisheries cooperative societies under a campaign aimed at creating employment and economically uplifting fishermen living along rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Gomti.
Emerging Technology
Dr. Nishad introduced cage culture as a promising method for intensive fish production. By cultivating species like Pangasius and Gift Tilapia in cages installed in reservoirs, productivity can be significantly enhanced.
Boosting Inland Fisheries and Exports
Director Fisheries, N.S. Rahmani, elaborated on the state’s recognition as the Best Inland Fisheries State in 2020 and 2023 for its contributions to inland fish production. In 2023-24, Uttar Pradesh produced 36,664.64 lakh fish seeds, including Major Carp seeds, which are also being exported.
Infrastructure Development
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has driven the establishment of 1,277 infrastructure units in the last four years. Key developments include:
- 954 recirculatory aquaculture systems
- 123 fish feed mills
- 682 fish cages installed in reservoirs
- 63 hatcheries for seed production covering 266 hectares
- 2604 cold chain units for fish sale
Under the Nishadraj Boat Subsidy Scheme, 920 fishermen received boats, nets, and life jackets for livelihood enhancement.
Empowering Fisherwomen
The Mata Suketa Project aims to empower fisherwomen through the installation of 250 cages. Additionally, 16,757 fishermen have been provided Kisan Credit Cards worth Rs. 131 crore for financial support.
Community and Welfare Programs
The event highlighted solar and high-mast lighting installations in 289 villages, medical aid, housing support, and training programs benefiting the fishermen community.
Expanding Role of Fisheries in the Economy
Principal Secretary Fisheries, K. Ravindra Nayak, stated that the fisheries sector is vital to Uttar Pradesh’s economic aspirations, particularly the goal of contributing to the one trillion dollar economy. He urged reservoir contractors to adopt innovative technologies like cage culture to boost productivity and sustainability.
Director General Fisheries, Rajesh Prakash, reiterated the potential of scientific approaches to make Uttar Pradesh a leader in fish production.
Looking Ahead
The Fisheries Department’s ongoing initiatives signal a bright future for the sector. With increasing production, technological advancements, and government-backed welfare schemes, the fisheries sector is poised to significantly impact employment, sustainability, and the economy.
