Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh Charts Strategic Path for Fisheries Growth in Key Review Meeting

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh, led a comprehensive briefing and review meeting at Krishi Bhawan on June 12, 2024, focusing on the Department of Fisheries. The meeting was Singh's first official engagement after assuming charge, together with Ministers of State Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel and George Kurian.

During the meeting, Minister Singh outlined strategic directives aimed at boosting the fisheries sector, particularly emphasizing the need to enhance the export of value-added fisheries products. He urged the Ministry of Finance to issue advisories to all banks, advocating for the extension of Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities to all eligible fishermen. Additionally, Singh called for a meeting with Members of Parliament from leading fish-producing states and union territories to better understand the on-ground realities and challenges facing the fisheries sector.

Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel suggested exploring the potential of cage culture in the Ganga River, proposing it as an alternative employment opportunity for the youth. Minister Singh highlighted the necessity of reviewing the electricity charges paid by fishermen, advocating for parity with the agricultural sector. He directed the issuance of advisories to states and union territories to reduce per-unit electricity charges for aquaculture, aligning them with agricultural rates.

Minister of State George Kurian raised concerns about the safety and security of fishermen, emphasizing the need for modern fishing harbors and deep-sea fishing vessels. In response, Minister Singh directed the preparation of an action plan to enhance fisheries infrastructure and increase the induction of deep-sea fishing vessels.

Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, Union Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, provided an overview of the department’s activities and schemes being implemented nationwide. Joint Secretary (Inland Fisheries) Sagar Mehra presented the progress and challenges of flagship schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), Kisan Credit Card (KCC), and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Yojana (PMMKSSY). Mehra highlighted both the physical and financial progress of these schemes and outlined the path forward.

Joint Secretary (Marine Fisheries) Neetu Kumari Prasad briefed the attendees on significant projects and initiatives undertaken for the development of marine fisheries resources and infrastructure. The meeting also saw the presence of senior officials including Sanjiv Kumar, Additional Secretary & Financial Advisor, and Gaurav Kumar, Economic Advisor of the Department of Fisheries, along with other key department officers.

The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to advancing the fisheries sector, addressing key issues, and implementing strategic initiatives for sustainable growth and development.