Department of Fisheries Highlights ICAR Extension Network’s Role in Boosting Technology Transfer and PM-MKSSY Implementation

The Department of Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAH&D), convened an important meeting on October 25, 2024, to discuss enhancing technology transfer and the implementation of new programs in India’s fisheries sector. Chaired by Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Secretary (Fisheries), Department of Fisheries (DoF), the meeting addressed ways to leverage the ICAR Fisheries Extension Network to boost technology dissemination and support schemes for fisheries development, such as the newly launched Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY).

The meeting gathered key stakeholders, including representatives from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DoA&FW), ICAR, Agricultural Technology Application Research Institutes (ATARI), Matsya Seva Kendras, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, state and union territory fisheries officers, and experts from leading training and research institutes.

In his keynote address, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi emphasized the value of fisheries extension services in enhancing last-mile connectivity, highlighting its essential role in linking fish farmers with vital resources, updated information, and government support. He referred to the formation of a High-Level Ministerial Committee and a Secretaries Committee dedicated to exploring ways to strengthen the reach of fisheries extension and technology transfer. These committees aim to enhance outreach initiatives across fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying sectors.

Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, presented an overview of the PM-MKSSY, highlighting its components and potential benefits for fish farmers. He noted the significance of the ICAR extension network in ensuring that government schemes effectively reach their intended beneficiaries across the country. Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary of DoA&FW, provided insights into India’s Agriculture Extension System through a presentation on the Post Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources (VISTAAR), which outlines transformation efforts to enhance accessibility to agricultural resources.

The meeting marked a significant collaborative effort among stakeholders to ensure PM-MKSSY’s effective implementation, emphasizing the importance of capacity building and streamlining communication between fish farmers and other relevant parties. This collaborative approach aims to boost networking efforts within the fisheries sector, support innovative technology adoption, and offer technical guidance for fish farmers. With a focus on sustainable growth, the meeting encouraged integrating traceability modules and promoting cooperation across various institutions, including state fisheries departments, ICAR institutes, and training agencies.

The collective approach established at the meeting aims to create a solid foundation for sustainable and economically empowering practices in fisheries, promising long-term benefits for India’s fish farmers and propelling the sector toward greater productivity and growth.