Initiatives with an investment of nearly Rs. 98.90 crore to promote white shrimp farming are being developed. (Credits: Unsplash)
Haryana minister for agriculture, farmers’ welfare and fisheries Shyam Singh Rana on Wednesday asked officials to prepare an action plan to develop local markets near fish farmers, enabling them to sell their produce without travelling long distances.
The minister, who was chairing a pre-budget consultation meeting with senior officers, including Additional Chief Secretary Raja Sekhar Vundru, of the Fisheries Department, sought details on the utilisation of the previous year’s budget and urged officials to draft a roadmap for funds needed under various schemes in the upcoming budget.
Emphasising rapid implementation, Rana said all initiatives should align with the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047” and directed priority be given to installing solar lights at fish ponds to reduce electricity expenses and curb pollution.
“Officials highlighted ongoing initiatives such as the construction of an Integrated Aqua Park Centre of Excellence at Garwa in Bhiwani and in Sirsa to promote white shrimp farming with an investment of nearly Rs. 98.90 crore. Under the ‘Welfare of Scheduled Caste Families under Fisheries Sector’ scheme, fishers and fish farmers receive a subsidy of 60 per cent, up to Rs 40,000, for fishing nets,” a government spokesperson said.
“The Haryana government has recently taken several steps to strengthen the fisheries sector, significantly enhancing production and support for farmers. The state has emerged as a leading inland fisheries producer with over 2.04 lakh metric tonnes of fish harvested, backed by extensive seed production and scientific aquaculture practices. To improve storage and marketing, 25 aquaculture cold storage units have been set up across the state, with more planned, and proposals are underway to establish fish markets in districts, including Faridabad, Gurugram and Hisar.
Additionally, subsidies under central schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana are promoting fish and shrimp farming, especially on waterlogged and saline lands, unlocking new livelihood opportunities for farmers,” the spokesperson added.