Haryana Minister Directs Officials to Develop Local Fish Markets
Haryana's Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana has taken a decisive step to support fish farmers in the state. On Wednesday, he instructed officials to create an action plan for developing local markets near fish farming areas. This initiative aims to allow farmers to sell their produce without traveling long distances, potentially boosting their income and reducing logistical burdens.
Pre-Budget Meeting Focuses on Fisheries Sector
Minister Rana chaired a pre-budget consultation meeting with senior officers from the Fisheries Department. Additional Chief Secretary Raja Sekhar Vundru attended the meeting. The minister sought detailed information on how last year's budget was utilized. He also urged officials to draft a clear roadmap for funding requirements under various schemes in the upcoming budget.
Rana emphasized the need for rapid implementation of all initiatives. He stated that these efforts should align with the broader vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047." As a practical measure, he directed priority be given to installing solar lights at fish ponds. This move is expected to reduce electricity expenses for farmers and help curb pollution.
Major Investments and Ongoing Projects
During the meeting, officials highlighted several ongoing projects. One significant initiative involves the construction of an Integrated Aqua Park Centre of Excellence. This facility is being built at Garwa in Bhiwani and also in Sirsa. The project focuses on promoting white shrimp farming with an investment of nearly Rs. 98.90 crore.
The government spokesperson provided further details on support schemes. Under the 'Welfare of Scheduled Caste Families under Fisheries Sector' scheme, fishers and fish farmers receive a substantial subsidy. They get 60 percent financial assistance, up to Rs. 40,000, specifically for purchasing fishing nets.
Haryana's Fisheries Sector Achievements
The Haryana government has implemented multiple steps to strengthen the fisheries sector in recent times. These efforts have significantly enhanced production levels and provided better support to farmers. The state has emerged as a leading producer in inland fisheries. It harvested over 2.04 lakh metric tonnes of fish, supported by extensive seed production and scientific aquaculture practices.
To address storage and marketing challenges, the state has established 25 aquaculture cold storage units across various locations. More such units are in the planning stages. Proposals are also underway to set up dedicated fish markets in several districts, including Faridabad, Gurugram, and Hisar.
Additionally, subsidies under central government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana are playing a crucial role. These subsidies promote fish and shrimp farming, particularly on waterlogged and saline lands. This approach is unlocking new livelihood opportunities for farmers, making previously underutilized land productive.
The minister's directive to develop local markets represents a focused effort to connect farmers directly with consumers. By reducing travel requirements, farmers can save time and costs, potentially leading to higher profits. The combination of infrastructure development, financial subsidies, and market access initiatives aims to create a more robust and sustainable fisheries ecosystem in Haryana.
