Government Extends Deadline of Pradhan Mantri Matasya Sampada Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Matasya Sampada Yojana application deadline in Gautam Budh Nagar (Noida) has been extended by the fisheries department from July 15 to July 21. To address the local demand in the district, officials are also motivating people to apply for the advantages of the multiple government-sponsored schemes available for fishing and fish farming.

A recent session with the fishermen's community in the Kundli Bangar village of Jewar was organised by the fisheries department. "We motivated the fishermen to take up modern and scientific fishing methods. We also urged them to avoid fishing in July and August the breeding time for fish. According to Ravindra Prasad, assistant director of the fisheries department at GB Nagar, during this time, fish that are carrying eggs may be killed, resulting in a decrease in the total number of fish in the water.

The Pradhan Mantri Matasya Sampada Yojana, which was introduced in 2020, aims toward sustainable development of the fisheries sector over five years (2020-2025). The fisheries department has proposed multiple schemes under it to increase fishing and fish production through the development and effective utilisation of land and water. These schemes also aim to double the incomes of the local community of fishermen and fish growers while generating meaningful employment.

The applicants have so far expressed interest in developing fish farming ponds outside of the cities and supplying fish to markets on motorbikes, bicycles, and mobile vans.

According to authorities, the live fish would be sold in hygienic kiosks to enhance the consumers' fish-buying experience.

According to experts, schemes like recirculatory aquaculture systems (RAS) and bio floc units, both of which are a part of indoor aquaculture, are said to enhance fish farming, especially for species like Pangasius. RAS is a technology where water is recycled and reused after mechanical and biological filtration and removal of suspended matter, and bio floc units ensure sufficient nutrition for the fish.

Under the RAS scheme, fish farmers will develop six to twenty-five RAS tanks, with the government supporting them with a loan of Rs 25 lakh. Meanwhile, the government will give Rs 50,000 to people with large residential complexes under the backyard RAS scheme.

“The schemes aim to improve both the skills of those currently employed in the industry and those who are just entering it, in addition to giving individuals the resources to establish a fish farming business.

Unlike traditional methods, scientific fish farming places equal importance on providing enough food for the fish as well as controlling fish disease. The market is huge in GB Nagar, but other cities fulfill the needs in the district. If more people become a part of fish farming, we can meet the demand from production within the district,” added Prasad.