New fisheries dept office in city to support farmers, boost prodn
Highlighting Punjab's robust fisheries sector, Khuddian said the state produces 2 lakh tonnes of fish annually, with approximately 43,683 acres dedicated to fish farming. He emphasised that the new office will serve as a one-stop hub for fish farmers, enabling smoother access to resources and services. He urged farmers to adopt fish farming as a lucrative auxiliary occupation to boost their income, assuring them of comprehensive support from the state govt.
The minister also extended his heartfelt greetings to all fish and shrimp farmers, acknowledging their vital contribution to the state's economy. He reiterated that Punjab govt is dedicated to strengthening the fisheries sector and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to enhance the livelihoods of farmers across the state. He added that the fisheries department has enabled fish farmers in the five southwestern districts of Punjab — Sri Muktsar Sahib, Fazilka, Bathinda, Mansa, and Faridkot — to earn a net profit of Rs 2.50 to Rs 4 lakh by bringing thousands of acres of barren, saline, and waterlogged land under shrimp farming.
Director of fisheries Gurpreet Singh said under the guidance of the cabinet minister and the directions of principal secretary Rahul Bhandari, about 40%-60% subsidy is being provided by the state govt to farmers to adopt various projects such as fish and shrimp ponds, purchase of fish transport vehicles, fish kiosks/shops, cold storage plants, fish feed mills, and ornamental fish units.
Encouraging farmers to engage in fish farming, he highlighted that the department has already provided self-employment to 637 beneficiaries and disbursed subsidies worth Rs 30.63 crores to fish farmers.
Additional deputy commissioner Amarjit Bains, assistant director JS Grewal, among others were also present on the occasion.
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