Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, chaired a comprehensive briefing and review meeting of the Department of Fisheries at Krishi Bhawan today. The meeting, convened following the recent assumption of charge by the ministers, was also attended by Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State, MoFAHD, and Shri George Kurian, Minister of State, MoFAHD.
During the meeting, the Union Minister directed the formulation of a strategy to enhance the export of value-added fisheries products. He also urged coordination with the Ministry of Finance to issue advisories to banks for extending KCC facilities to all eligible fishermen. Additionally, he instructed that a meeting be organized with MPs from leading fish-producing states and UTs to understand the ground realities and challenges in improving the fisheries sector’s performance.
Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel suggested exploring cage culture in the Ganga River as an alternative employment opportunity for youth. The Union Minister emphasized the need to review and potentially reduce the electricity charges paid by fishermen, aligning them with agricultural electricity rates. He called for advisories to be issued to States and UTs to reduce per-unit electricity charges for aquaculture.
Shri George Kurian highlighted the importance of safety and security for fishermen, the need for modern fishing harbors, and the induction of deep-sea fishing vessels. The Union Minister directed the preparation of an action plan to improve infrastructure in fisheries and increase the number of deep-sea fishing vessels.
Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary, DoF, provided an overview of the Department’s activities and schemes being implemented nationwide. Shri Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary (IF), presented on the implementation of flagship schemes and programs such as PMMSY, FIDF, KCC, and PMMKSSY, detailing their physical and financial progress, challenges, and the way forward. Smt. Neetu Kumari Prasad, Joint Secretary (MF), briefed the meeting on significant projects and initiatives for the development of marine fisheries resources and infrastructure.
The meeting was also attended by Shri Sanjiv Kumar, AS&FA, Shri Gaurav Kumar, Economic Advisor, Department of Fisheries, and other senior officers from the DoF.
