Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, also known as Lalan Singh, has called on West Bengal to take urgent steps to strengthen its fisheries sector. He flagged major gaps during a regional review meeting of the Department of Fisheries held in Kolkata.
NFDB Registration: A Major Gap
West Bengal has over 32 lakh fish farmers, yet only a small percentage are registered with the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB). This low registration rate restricts access to central benefits, including schemes like the PM Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).
“Without registration, farmers are losing out on direct support and training,” said the Union Minister, urging the state to bridge this critical gap.
Untapped Potential in Inland Fisheries
West Bengal holds a vast network of traditional water bodies, or pukurs. Singh stressed that these resources could become productive hubs with the right interventions. He recommended the development of cooperative structures and improved management of these ponds.
India’s inland fish production rose by 142% over the past decade, yet exports from this segment remain below potential. “We are the world’s second-largest fish producer. Now we must convert this strength into higher exports,” Singh added.
Dry Fish Clusters to Boost Jobs and Exports
The meeting proposed setting up a dry fish cluster in West Bengal. Officials believe this initiative will enhance local employment, value addition, and global competitiveness.
“A structured dry fish ecosystem will bring more fishers into the formal value chain,” said an official, citing successful models from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Technology and Training as Growth Drivers
The minister emphasized the role of modern technology and training in achieving sustainable growth. He called for revival of programs such as artificial reefs, IoT in aquaculture, and e-market access for fishers.
“Skilled fishers using smart tools can significantly boost both productivity and quality,” Singh noted.
Need for Central-State Coordination
Union Minister of State George Kurian and Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, echoed the need for strong coordination between the Centre and the states.
They stressed timely delivery of flagship schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), and Kisan Credit Card (KCC).
Eastern States Align for Regional Growth
The Kolkata meeting included fisheries officials from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. Each state shared updates on their programs and discussed regional challenges.
Key outcomes included proposals to set up regional task forces, enhance farmer awareness, and push for digitization of fisheries records.
Conclusion: Time to Act
West Bengal stands at a turning point. With better registration, infrastructure, training, and cooperation, the state can lead India’s next wave of fisheries growth.
“The potential is immense. But action must be swift and coordinated,” the Minister concluded.
