Meghalaya to multiply fish production

Meghalaya government will be investing Rs 378 crore in fish production under the second phase of the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission (MSAM). This decision was taken to meet the supply deficit of 15,000 metric tonnes.

Shillong:With the intention of meeting a supply deficit of 15,000 metric tonnes, the Meghalaya government will be investing Rs 378 crore in fish production, across the state, under the second phase of Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission (MSAM).

While addressing the inaugural function of the state-level Fish Farmers Conclave 2019 at Shillong, the Agricultural Production Commissioner K N Kumar said, "The state has been able to produce 12,000 MT of fish annually, against the demand of over 27,000 MT." The conclave was attended by scientists, scholars, bank and credit representatives, besides fish farmers from all the 11 districts of the state.

"The government will invest Rs 378 crore in the second phase of the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission (MSAM) for reducing the supply deficit. While earlier an investment of Rs 161 crore was made under the scheme that benefited 21,000 persons in 2012, when fish production was only 4,000 MT," he added.

Kumar also highlighted the need to constitute a Meghalaya Fish Farmers Association since there are now 22,000 fish farmers in the state.

MSAM is aimed at maximisation of fish production through technological interventions, creation of more water bodies, making available quality fish seeds besides promoting scientific feeding and improved managerial practices.