Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Parshottam Rupala visited the Union Territory of Leh (Ladakh) for review meeting programme. The visit  started on 11^th March 2023 from Leh (Ladakh) and  ended at Kargyam Satoo and Phobrang on 12^th March 2023 from Union Territory of Leh (Ladakh).The  vision and objective of the visit was to strengthen the fisheries sector development including other works. The journey of review meeting program had been already initiated in other Union Territories/States of the country as well, where Shri Parshottam Rupala interacted with beneficiaries and other respective stakeholders regarding fisheries sector development.

The main objectives of the review meeting program are    (i) to facilitate interaction with beneficiaries, fish farmers,  fishermen and  stakeholders so as to disseminate information of various fisheries related schemes and programs being implemented by the Government; (ii) demonstrating solidarity with all fisher folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholder as a spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat; (iii) to promote responsible fisheries with focus on sustainable balance between the utilization of fisheries resources for food security and livelihoods of fisher communities: (iv) upgradation and creation of infrastructure to ensure sustainable and responsible development through an ecosystem approach.

Moving forward, Shri Parshottam Rupala addressed regarding the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojna (PMMSY) scheme and other multidimensional activities of blue revolution with major focus on increasing fisheries production and productivity (for both inland and marine) and its associated activities, including infrastructure development, marketing, exports, and institutional arrangements, etc. In this regard, the review meeting was chaired by him at Kargyam Satoo. Shri Parshottam Rupala interacted with the dignitaries/officers, beneficiaries of PMMSY and KCC. Further, he highlighted about the implementation of PMMSY scheme in all the States & Union Territories and spoke in detail about eliminating the critical gaps in the value chain of fisheries through implementation of schemes such as PMMSY and KCC for beneficiaries, fish farmers and fishermen.

Shri Parshottam Rupala, higlighted the  significant achievements of Department of Fisheries such as establishment of 4 new trout fish hatcheries, construction of 200 new raceways, sanctioned establishment of 4 RAS, sanctioned 4 ornamental breeding & rearing unit, construction of 5 fish kiosks, 20 motorcycle with ice boxes under post-harvest transportation units.

Further, he threw light on the financial achievements under the fisheries sector for Blue Revolution, PMMSY, KCC with a total targeted investment of Rs 47 Crore and central fund allocation of Rs 30 Crore.

Shri Parshottam Rupala also highlighted the need to expedite the implementation of said project, and utilization of funds released for the purpose. He has also informed to prepare and submit their annual action plan under PMMSY for next two years (2023-24 and 2024-25). The Minister took public meetings at Phobrang and discussed various activities within the departments, interaction session was organized with fish farmers, fishermen, local people interacted in the session and put forth their issues & suggestions. This interactive session helped to come out with the issues being faced and the same will be worked upon for improvement on fisheries development.

The impact of these review meeting programs shall have a long-lasting effect on the future generations to come and address multiple developmental issues in a comprehensive manner with far reaching impact covering the  fisheries sector.

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