Tura, 3rd September: An Eco Fish Hatchery under Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission, the first of its kind in Garo Hills, was today inaugurated by Meghalaya Power Minister Clement R Marak at Amindagre under Gambegre C and RD Block in West Garo Hills. The Echo Hatchery constructed in partnership mode under one of the missions of the state’s flagship Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Programme (IBDLP), the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission, aims at producing high standard fish seeds which can be distributed to interested entrepreneurs of the region.
Meghalaya Power Minister Clement R Marak while inaugurating the eco fish hatchery informed that the government has undertaken several initiatives under the IBDLP to encourage sustainable livelihood generation activities and boost the standards of living in the region. Commending the fishery department and the partners for making the hatchery a reality, Marak urged the people of the region to follow the example of Sanjib R Marak, the partner in the eco fish hatchery constructed at Amindagre. Fresh local fish are rare and as such is sought after by connoisseurs and laymen alike therefore they can be sold for an exceptional price and give fish suppliers from outside the state like Andrhapradesh a run for their money observed Marak. Stating that aquaculture can be taken up as a sustainable source of livelihood generation activity by the people provided there are ample resources like adequate supply of water and land within their grasp Marak informed that the government was awarding subsidies and loans to entrepreneurs in partnership with various banks like the MCAB and the SBI. Marak lamenting the frequent incidents of violence in Garo Hills urged the people to abstain from violence and stated that peace was essential to usher in development.
Speaking on the aquaculture mission under the IBDLP, Fisheries Director I R Sangma informed that this was the second such hatchery being inaugurated in Meghalaya, the first one being inaugurated earlier in Khasi Hills. Five districts have been selected under the State Aquaculture Mission and three of them are in Garo Hills She stated and informed that would be partners needed to fulfil certain criteria before being selected. The eco fish hatchery which will be expanded later will be able to produce 2 lakh high standard seeds stated Sangma. She later informed that the feasibility of pearl culture in the region is also being studied at present by experts from outside the state. Sangma later suggested that the people of the region, assisted by the fisheries department start their own fish conservation project.
Among others who spoke at the occasion were Fisheries Information Officer, Shillong, S R Marak, Superintendent of Fisheries, R B R Marak and Sanjib R Marak. (SP News)
