Meghalaya Minister AL Hek seeks timely release of funds and non-conventional energy support at Fisheries Summer Meet 2023

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 11, 2023

Meghalaya’s Fisheries Minister, Alexander Laloo Hek on Monday attended the two-day Fisheries Summer Meet 2023 in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.

Organized by the Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, aimed to celebrate the achievements of the Indian fisheries sector, the Department of Fisheries, and the ‘Start-up Conclave.’ The Summer Meet coincided with National Fish Farmer’s Day 2023, which is observed on July 10th each year.

The event featured policy and technical deliberations in the fisheries sector, an exhibition on fisheries start-ups, fish FPOs (Fish Producer Organizations), and fish cooperatives. Additionally, the event included the virtual inauguration of fishery projects across the country supported under the PMMSY (Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana) by Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan and Dr. L. Murugan Kumar, Union Ministers of State, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, as well as state fisheries ministers, NFDB officials, and government officials.

Minister Alexander Laloo Hek led the delegation from Meghalaya, accompanied by AL Mawlong, Director of Fisheries, Meghalaya, to participate in the two-day event in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu.

During the occasion, a total of 176 fishery-related projects were virtually inaugurated all over India, including 16 projects in Meghalaya, with a total investment of Rs. 4.3 crores. These projects were located in the districts of Eastern West Khasi Hills, East Jaiñtia Hills, West Jaiñtia Hills, Ri Bhoi District, North Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, and South West Garo Hills.

Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, inaugurated these projects in the presence of Alexander Laloo Hek and officials from Meghalaya, as well as fish farmers and fisheries officials from across the country.

During the Summer Meet, Minister Alexander Laloo Hek highlighted the concerns of Meghalaya and requested immediate intervention from the Government of India. He emphasized the timely release of funds and suggested that more than 25% of the funds be released in two equal installments. This was particularly important for Meghalaya and the North East Region, which face heavy monsoons and harsh weather conditions for around 5-6 months, limiting the working season for construction and implementation of projects. Timely release of funds would allow projects to be completed on schedule, especially those requiring favorable weather conditions.

Additionally, Minister Hek requested the consideration of non-conventional energy support, such as solar power, for electricity-intensive fish farming systems, such as RAS (Recirculating Aquaculture Systems), biofloc and hatcheries. Given the irregular power supply in rural areas where fish farming is prominent due to geoclimatic conditions or accessibility issues, integrating non-conventional power support would be beneficial.

The minister also addressed key challenges in the successful growth of inland aquaculture systems, specifically the need for quality feed and seed. He proposed a component for subsidized feed and seed to enhance productivity in existing aquaculture systems. Furthermore, he suggested conducting studies to diversify species for increased productivity and explore the use of local ingredients in fish feed to reduce costs.

Regarding ornamental fisheries projects, Minister Hek recommended encouraging them on a case-by-case basis, considering the variation in species and availability of breeding and culture technology in the field.

Minister Hek highlighted the success of integrated farming as a sustainable model for fish culture in Meghalaya. He proposed allocating more resources to this component, with a higher unit cost, to enable farmers to engage in pig cum fish, livestock cum fish, and poultry cum fish farming, which would significantly boost their income.

The minister emphasized the need for government support in infrastructure development to pilot advanced technology in fisheries, serving as production and farmer demonstration units.

Additionally, he called for an increase in fund allocation to the state to promote Keystone Projects tailored to achieve maximum sustainable yield and improve the socio-economic conditions of fishers and farmers. These projects should cater to local needs, local governance, and encourage community participation, such as recreational fisheries promoting eco-aquatourism in rivers, indigenous ornamental fisheries, and knowledge centers.

Minister Hek stressed the importance of establishing a referral laboratory and/or aquatic health laboratory in every state, considering the launch of the Disease app. He suggested that training, capacity building, and human resource development be made mandatory for every emerging technology implemented under the PMMSY or any government scheme. This would ensure the successful implementation and operation of assets such as RAS, biofloc systems, and laboratories.