Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh–
Haryana Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Fisheries Minister Shyam Singh Rana said that an action plan should be prepared to provide markets near fish farmers so that they do not have to travel to distant areas to sell their fish.
Rana was speaking during a pre-budget consultation meeting with senior officers of the Fisheries Department at his office here today. Additional Chief Secretary of the department, Sh. Raja Sekhar Vundru, and other officials were present on the occasion.
The Fisheries Minister sought details regarding the utilisation of the budget allocated to the department in the previous financial year and directed officials to prepare a roadmap for seeking funds for various schemes in the upcoming budget.
Shyam Singh Rana said that all schemes should be implemented at a fast pace, keeping in view the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 of PM Narendra Modi. He also directed that priority be given to installing solar lights at fish ponds, which would reduce electricity expenses as well as help in controlling pollution.
During the meeting, officials informed that to promote white shrimp farming in saline water, an Integrated Aqua Park Centre of Excellence is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 98.90 crore in village Garwa of district Bhiwani and in Sirsa. They further informed that under the “Welfare of Scheduled Caste Families under Fisheries Sector” scheme, fishers and fish farmers are being provided a subsidy of 60 percent, subject to a maximum cost of Rs. 40,000, for the purchase of fishing nets.
Fisheries Minister directed officials to ensure that all schemes formulated for the benefit of fish farmers are implemented at the earliest so that their income can be further improved.