Shillong, Sept 09: The Department of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya in collaboration with the Division of Animal & Fisheries Sciences, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam today organised a Fish Seed Distribution Mela at the Fish Dale Farm, Directorate of Fisheries, Shillong. Smti. I Mawlong, Joint Secretary, Fisheries Department graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
The objective of the Mela is to ensure that needy farmers get all the support from the Government in procuring quality fish seeds, so as to boost their livelihood and recover from the loss due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The beneficiaries include farmers from Khasi, Jaintia and Ri-Bhoi Districts of the state.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, Smti I Mawlong stated that fisheries have become one of the income generated sector that the Government has laid emphasis on. With unemployment on the rise, the Government encourages the youth to explore business opportunities in this sector through the various Government schemes available.
She further said that fish farmers do not only produce fishes for consumption but they can also become job creators by expanding their ponds, whereby they serve the society in numerous ways, she added.
Smti. Mawlong reiterated the fact that people tend to take things for granted when something is provided to them for free of cost, she urged the farmers to work diligently and to take full advantage of this opportunity in order to increase their livelihood.
It may be mentioned that the fish seeds provided are varieties tested under Meghalaya conditions and are more durable and able to survive in cold conditions. The fish seeds are provided free of cost under the Tribal Sub Plant (TSP) of ICAR.
Others who were present include Smti. A. L. Mawlong, Director of Fisheries, Dr. S K Das, Principal Scientist ICAR, RC NEH Region, Smti. H. Papang, Superintendent of Fisheries, East Khasi Hills, Shillong, among others.
