Hyderabad, Jan 5: The 12th Governing Body Meeting of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) was held today in Hyderabad, Telangana, under the chairmanship of Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Union Minister for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries.
The meeting was attended by S. P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries; George Kurian, Minister of State for Fisheries; Fisheries Ministers from Tripura, Mizoram, Haryana, Sikkim and Puducherry; senior officers including Commissioners and Secretaries (Fisheries) from various States and Union Territories; and members of the Governing Body of NFDB.
Reviewing the progress of fisheries and aquaculture development across the country, the Union Minister stressed the importance of optimal and timely utilisation of already sanctioned funds and directed all States and UTs to ensure early completion of ongoing projects under flagship schemes, particularly the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). He emphasized that efficient implementation and outcome-oriented use of resources are critical for enhancing fish production, improving the livelihoods of fishermen and fish farmers, and strengthening the fisheries value chain.
The Governing Body deliberated on key agenda items relating to fisheries development, infrastructure creation, sustainability, and region-specific priorities. Several States shared their experiences, challenges, and best practices in implementation of fisheries schemes.
Gabriel Denwang Wangsu, Minister for Fisheries, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, supported the proposal raised by the Minister for Fisheries, Tripura, for adoption of “Amrit Sarovar” by the Fisheries Department for fish farming. He noted that convergence of fisheries activities with Amrit Sarovar would significantly boost inland fish production while creating additional livelihood opportunities for rural communities.
During the meeting, he called for special focus on cold-water fisheries with suitable relaxations under PMMSY for hill and border States, including higher unit costs, flexible norms, and cluster-based implementation.
Wangsu also drew attention towards strengthening infrastructure and seed security through expansion of carp and trout hatcheries, brood banks, local feed production units, and development of farming clusters.
Conservation and sustainable utilization of indigenous fish species through hatcheries, river ranching, and stock enhancement programmes.
Development of value chain and post-harvest infrastructure, including mini feed mills, mobile ice plants, cold storages, insulated transport, and value addition units. Resource mapping and digitization using geo-spatial technologies for effective planning, were also stressed upon.
Wangsu also sought the establishment of a Regional Centre of NFDB Arunachal Pradesh, with the State Government offering full logistical support.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the collective commitment of the Centre and States to work in close coordination for the holistic and sustainable growth of the fisheries sector in the country.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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