Jamshedpur DDC emphasizes revitalization of Fisheries sector

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, June 24: In accordance with the directives of the Deputy Commissioner of East Singhbhum, Deputy Development Commissioner Manish Kumar conducted a meeting with fish farmers, cooperative society members, and Matsya Mitras at the District Auditorium in Jamshedpur, providing necessary guidelines for the development of the fisheries sector. The meeting was attended by District Fisheries Officer Alka Panna and Fisheries Extension Officer Amarendra Kumar Verma.

The Deputy Development Commissioner expressed the vision of transforming East Singhbhum into a thriving hub of fish production within the next year, emphasizing the need to increase the current fish production by fivefold. Cooperative societies that demonstrate laxity will not receive any government benefits, as stated by the Deputy Development Commissioner. He highlighted that the Jharkhand Government has implemented various schemes to empower farmers and fishermen and increase their income, urging individuals to be aware of and take advantage of these schemes while motivating others to do the same.

The Deputy Development Commissioner stressed the importance of employing science and technology in fisheries activities, urging fishermen to embrace the latest technological advancements. Instructions were given to the Fisheries Officer to organize a district-level workshop on the upcoming Saturday. Furthermore, attendees were directed to bring at least two additional individuals from their respective Gram Panchayats to the workshop, prioritizing those who already possess ponds. The Deputy Development Commissioner also recommended selecting three individuals associated with fisheries as master trainers. This approach aims to expand the reach of fisheries across villages by organizing block-level workshops in the future.

The Deputy Development Commissioner reviewed the progress of existing cooperative societies involved in fish production within the district. Inquiring about the distribution of government assets among the cooperative societies, he emphasized the importance of accommodating new fishermen and replacing those who show little interest in fisheries. The district administration will take appropriate measures to engage new individuals in the fisheries sector.

The District Fisheries Officer and Fisheries Extension Officer were instructed to regularly visit the field and raise awareness about fisheries schemes. Additionally, all committees were advised to hold weekly meetings in the Gram Panchayats to connect with fishermen. Concerns regarding encroachments on certain government ponds were raised, prompting the Deputy Development Commissioner to request the committee to compile a list of encroached ponds following an executive meeting. To support pond renovation, the state government, through the land conservation department, has provided provisions for the renovation of ponds ranging from one to five acres. For ponds smaller than one acre, both private and government-owned, the Deputy Development Commissioner assured renovation under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). Fish farmers were also encouraged to renovate their private ponds. Renovated ponds will include the plantation of fruit trees on the pond’s embankment, convergence of duck rearing and scaffold farming, and the provision of herbal and medicinal garden schemes under the Horticulture Department’s initiatives, benefiting farmers and fishermen alike.