Motorcycles with icebox given to fish farmers in Cachar on 21st National Fish Farmer’s day

July 10: The 21st National Fish Farmer’s day was observed in Cachar in a befitting manner. In this context, a programme was held at the hall of fishery development office complex here on Saturday. The programme was organised by the Fishery Development Officer, Cachar. Deputy Commissioner Cachar Keerthi Jalli graced the occasion as Chief Guest in presence of nominee of Silchar MLA, Rathindra Nath Saha, Subodh Das, representative of fishery Minister Parimal Shuklabaidya and Fishery development Officer Rafiqul Haque. At the outset, all the dignitaries present on the dias were felicitated with a traditional “gamocha” followed by lighting of lamp.

It is pertinent to mention here that national fish farmer’s day is commemorated every year to pay homage to the great fisheries’ scientists Dr Hiralal Choudhary and Dr K.H Alikunchi who had invented the hypophysation technique induced breeding of Indian Major carp on 10th July 1957. The technology of induced breeding has made the country self sufficient in fish Seed production and thus significantly contributed towards the blue revolution. The primary objective of celebrating of this day is to ensure sustainable stocks and a healthy eco system . This day is celebrated to honour the fish farmers, acquapreneurs and stakeholders and everyone else who is involved in the activities of fisheries.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Cachar Keerthi Jalli said, “The Assam government is taking various steps to increase fish production in the district and make it self-reliant so as to prevent fish imports from outside the state. The Department of Fisheries is taking steps against illegally imported fish so I urge people to eat locally produced fish for good health. I also appeal to the fish farmers to become more self sufficient by increasing the production of fish. There is a fish outlet outside the fishery development office from where local fish in fresh condition and complying the hygienic condition are being supplied at doorstep.”

Emphasising on the step being taken by state government Jalli said “Two fish disease diagnosis laboratories will be established under prime Minister Matsya Sampada Yojana for which interested farmers may come forward for taking this opportunity”. She also stated that the Irrigation Department is working under Jal Jeevan Mission project for supplying water during dry season for the farmers so that the farmers can get the benefit of it.  Jalli also appreciated the fish farmers for their outstanding contribution towards fish production.

Earlier, District fishery development officer, Cachar, Rafiqul Haque elaborated on the significance of celebrating this day. He also explained the different ongoing schemes such as “Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana”(PMMSY), RIDF, PMBSY, BR, RKVY etc which are brought to uplift the socio-economic status of fishermen community of the District. He also informed that total 1,721 beneficiaries were approved for upliftment of socio-economic status through fishery activities under various project of PMMSY 2020-21 in the district.

During the occasion, four beneficiaries were given motorcycles with icebox and 20 beneficiaries were given one-time assistance of Rs. 2400 under PMMSY Scheme. DC Cachar ceremonially handed over the cheques to the beneficiaries on the occasion and later she also flagged off 3 motorcycles with icebox.