Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri George Kurian, visited Aizawl on May 24, 2025, to engage with local officials and farmers and to understand the challenges faced by the fisheries sector in Mizoram. Upon arrival at Lengpui Airport, he was warmly received by Mizoram’s Fisheries Minister Mr. Lalthansanga, Fisheries Department Secretary Er. Lalrothanga, Fisheries Director Ms. Laltleipuii, and other officials.
During his visit, Shri Kurian toured private fish ponds in Lengpui and inspected the proposed site for the Fish Farmers’ Training Centre under the North Eastern Council (NEC) at the Laldenga Fisheries Demonstration Farm. Local officials shared the difficulties fish farmers encounter in the region, particularly highlighting financial constraints and the need for more developmental projects. They also presented project proposals to the Union Minister, including one for an Integrated Aqua Park in Zawlnuam, Mamit, seeking central government support.
Shri Kurian acknowledged these concerns and pointed to the Equity Grant available under the Fish Farmers Producer Organisation (FFPO) scheme, aimed at easing the financial burden on fish farmers. He encouraged local solutions such as startups to produce fish feed locally, addressing one of the critical challenges faced by farmers. Emphasizing the importance of awareness, he assured that government officials would be dispatched to conduct outreach programs to educate fish farmers about available government schemes. He reiterated that the Central Government prioritizes the Northeast region, recognizing Mizoram’s strong potential for fisheries development. Department officials informed him that nearly 26.5% of Mizoram’s 24,000 hectares of land is suitable for aquaculture, underscoring opportunities for growth.
Later, Shri Kurian visited Ornamental Fish Rearing Units in Khatla, which have been selected as sales outlets under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Samapada Yojana (PMMSY). This flagship scheme aims to drive a Blue Revolution by sustainably developing India’s fisheries sector, modernizing value chains, and supporting the welfare of fishers and fish farmers across the country.
The visit highlighted the government’s sympathetic understanding of local challenges while reaffirming a commitment to empower the region’s fisheries sector through targeted support and innovative solutions.