Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 330/11

CM INAUGURATED THE WORKSHOP ON DEVELOPMENT ON INLAND FISHERIES IN MEGHALAYA

Shillong June 30, 2011: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma today inaugurated the Workshop on Development of Inland Fisheries in Meghalaya: Problems and Prospects” organized by the Fisheries Department, Meghalaya. The workshop was held at Hotel Pinewood, Shillong in the presence of the Chief Secretary, Mr W M S Pariat, Commissioner & Secretary, Planning, Mr R M Mishra, Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board Dr P Krishnaiah among others including progressive fish farmers from different parts of Meghalaya. The meeting was presided over by Commissioner & Secretary, Fisheries, Mr K N Kumar.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mukul Sangma said that the Government will make substantial investments in the Fishery Sector in the State so as to improve the GDP of the State and also to provide substantial livelihood to the poor and marginalized sections of the rural society. He informed that the Government has allotted Rs 37.40 Crores under the Special Plan Assistance in 2010-11 to give a fillip to the department’s ongoing activities and also to provide a new thrust.

“The Government is preparing to launch an Aquaculture Mission for the State of Meghalaya which envisages major investment in the fishery sector in Meghalaya. It will be a mission mode approach to promote aquaculture in Meghalaya”, said Dr Mukul while also releasing the Discussion paper on Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission on which people can give their comments and feedback after which it will be finalized and begin its implementation from April 2012.

While informing about the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Programme, Dr Mukul said that efforts are on to make livelihood in the rural areas attractive by creating and ensuring opportunities thereby minimizing the migration of the rural population to the urban areas.

Dr Mukul also expresses confidence that with the cooperation and sensitization of the people and all the stake holders, fisheries in Meghalaya will be one of the sectors that will contribute to the State’s economy and also emerge as one of the major fish exporting States in the country.

Chief Secretary, Mr W M S Pariat in his speech said that the holding of the workshop on is an indication the Government is taking initiative in promoting the fisheries sector which has a good scope and potential in the State considering the rich natural resources and abundance of water bodies. He however lamented that there is a substantial gap between the demand and supply of fish in the State which he felt that if aquaculture is promoted aggressively in the State it will definitely promote economic growth.

The Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board Dr P Krishnaiah in his brief speech assured that the NFDB will provide all necessary support and assistance to the Government of Meghalaya in terms of grants, infrastructure, human resource development to both officials and fish farmers. He also said that to promote the fishery sector in the State, intensification of productivity, diversification of species and disease management are of utmost importance which the Government should consider.