Shillong, Nov 6: Meghalaya Chief Secretary Mr. W M S Pariat inaugurated the first Aqua Fest cum workshop organized by the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission (MSAM),Department of Fisheries at State Central Library premises.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. W M S Pariat congratulated the stakeholders for their hard work, dedication and sincerity of the implementation for the success of the aquaculture mission which had proved success within a very short time.
He reiterated that along with hard work there are other factors which have added to its success are great enthusiasm and sense of participation and ownership of fish farmers, providing required capacity building and support by the commerce department and financial linkages with various financial institutions.
Mr Pariat remarked that the success of dedicated and motivated fish fanners had made a major impact on the livelihood of the people and urged the fish farmers to take it as a suitableoccupation forgmselves. He encourages t%m to reach to a situation where the state is not only self sufficient can also export it to other sates as well.
Additional Chief Secretary, Mr. P B 0 Warjri emphasized the abundant natural resources of the state among which water is one of the important resources and needs to be conserved for our future utility. This resource is being used to rear fishes which also help in protecting their habitats as well. Further, Mr. Warjri advised the people not to be mere buyers but should be able to pwduce fish to sell as well as to export it in near future.
Principal Secretary, Fisheries Mr K N Kumar in his opening remark highlighted thestatistics, concept and objectives of the aquaculture mission. He informed that the state imports. 25,000 metric tons of fish &om other states and bulk of it comes mostly from Andhra Pradesh
and in order to bridge the huge demand-supply gap the state has adopted an approach to invest for farmers primarily and provide requisite infrastructure and training programme for smooth implementation of the state aquaculture mission.
Mr. R M Mishra Principal Secretary , Water Resources stated that fishery benefits people in many ways besides provides nutritious and healthy diet in terms of nutrition it offers sustainable development and resource management for the people also.
The chief guest also released the book on the history of the MSAM and distributed the prizes for the winners of the Drawing and Painting Competition organized under various categories including the disabled and participated by different schools of the city. The function was enlivened with the melodious Theme song of MSAM titled “Mission with a Vision” composed by FFDA, Shillong and sung by the students of St. Anthony’s College Shillong.
“Awards for Excellence in Fishery Sector” have been instituted by the MeghalayaGovernment to acknowledge, recognize and reward the extraordinary and innovative work done by Fish Fanners1 Communities/ NGOs/ SHGs in the state. Mr. Kwuid Rynjah of East Khasi Hills, Mr. Buhryntih Marwein of West Khasi Hills, Mawthawpdoh Area Rilang Fishery Association of South West Khasi Hills, Mawkyrwat, Mr. Weris Tnriang of Ri-Bhoi District, Mr. Lamsing Tynsong of East Jaintia Hills and Jaintia Fishing Association, West Jaintia Hills district has been awarded with a Memento, Certificate and Cash prize for the year 2013-14.(SP News)
