The state government was making significant strides in bolstering the livelihoods of fishermen and expanding opportunities for self-employment in the fisheries sector. Through a combination of natural and artificial aquatic resources viz: reservoirs, rivers, streams and ponds, vigorous efforts were underway to enhance the economy of nearly 20,000 families whose primary source of income was associated with this sector.
From January 2023 to June 2024, the state’s fisheries sector witnessed the production of approximately 21,022.62 metric tonnes of fish. This achievement underscores the success of ongoing initiatives to tap the vast potential of the state’s aquatic resources. The fisheries department has been playing a significant role in providing self-employment opportunities to as many as 682 youths ensuring that their future remains bright.
With an investment of Rs. 22.66 crore, several projects aimed at modernizing and expanding the fisheries sector was being implemented. Among these was the establishment of 258 new trout units, 20 fishery kiosks, six fish feed plants (both large and small), 47 biofloc units, two cold storage facilities, two ice factories, four re-circulating aquaculture systems, two ornamental fish units and four working trout hatcheries in the private sector. These developments signify a broadening scope for fish production and related businesses in the state.
In line with Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s budget announcements, new ponds were being constructed over an area of 25 hectares. These new water bodies were expected to further augment the state’s fisheries activities, paving the way for increased output and greater economic returns.
Support for local fishermen was also a priority, with 428 fishermen receiving subsidies for purchasing boats and nets. Additionally, the state has provided air-conditioned vehicles, motorcycles equipped with ice boxes and three-wheelers with ice boxes to fishermen and entrepreneurs. These efforts were designed to enhance the efficiency and profitability of fishing operations.
Various welfare schemes have been initiated to uplift the economic status of those engaged in reservoir fishing. The Life Safety Fund scheme has been introduced, offering rupees five lakh to the families of fishermen in the unfortunate event of death or permanent disability due to natural disasters. Under the Disaster Risk Fund Scheme, the government would compensate for equipment losses by providing 50 percent of the total cost. As of now Rs. 3.43 lakh has been disbursed to 94 fishermen under this scheme.
Further support has come during the period while there remains complete ban on fishing with the government providing Rs. 4,500 to fishermen. Financial assistance exceeding Rs. 1.20 crore was also disbursed under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana in the fiscal year 2023-24, aiding socio-economically backward traditional fishermen.
The government has also prioritized the conservation of aquatic biodiversity. Through the Nadi (River) Matsya Palan Karyakram, Rs. 44 lakh was allocated to collect over 15.43 lakh indigenous fish species of advanced quality from 32 different river basins. This programme was crucial for maintaining the ecological balance and ensuring sustainable fish production.
In the tribal regions of the state various schemes worth rupees three crore have been implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. Additionally, in the 2023-24 financial years, the storage of more than Rs. 1.67 crore advanced quality fingerlings was completed in State’s five reservoirs. This measure aims to secure ongoing employment opportunities for fishermen who rely on these reservoirs for their livelihood.
These comprehensive efforts by the state government underscore a committed approach to developing the fisheries sector, ensuring that it remains a robust and sustainable pillar of the state’s economy. The ongoing initiatives were not only providing immediate benefits to fishermen but were also laying the foundation for long-term growth and prosperity in the sector.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
