Efforts to achieve and increase Fish production targets accelerate, appeal for Ayushman Card benefits

The Minister of State for Fisheries Welfare and Fisheries Development, Shri Narayan Singh Pawar, emphasized the importance of large-scale publicity to help committee members achieve fish production targets. He urged them to spread awareness of the government schemes so that more people can benefit. He added that, alongside farming, having additional sources of income is essential for livelihood, and committee members engage in fish production for up to 10 months a year.

Shri Pawar also stressed the need to promote water conservation efforts and highlighted that the government is providing employment opportunities. He lauded the commitment and hard work of the committee members in achieving their goals.

Appeal for Ayushman Cards for People above 70 Years of Age:

The Minister informed that the government is issuing Ayushman Cards to people above the age of 70, enabling them to avail of free healthcare benefits up to 5 lakh rupees. He encouraged as many people as possible to get their Ayushman Cards and take advantage of the government’s healthcare schemes.

Emphasis on Registration and Awareness of Fishermen’s Cooperatives:

Shri Pawar assured that efforts will be made to ensure that the benefits of the schemes reach the actual beneficiaries. He called for increased publicity and registration of fishermen's cooperatives. He suggested distributing pamphlets in poverty-stricken areas to make more people aware of the schemes and to encourage them to avail the benefits. He also urged to work towards increasing resources.

Discussion on the Objectives of the Fisheries Federation:

The Minister explained that the primary objective of the Fisheries Federation is to develop fisheries using modern techniques in large and medium water bodies assigned by the government. The goal is to improve the livelihoods of fishermen and their families while promoting social and economic development. Currently, the Federation manages 7 large and 21 medium-sized reservoirs, covering a total area of approximately 2.31 lakh hectares. As of March 31, 2024, the Federation will oversee 222 fishermen's cooperative societies with 15,200 registered members. In the 2023-24 periods, a total of 494.86 lakh fish seeds have been stored in reservoirs, surpassing the set target.

Incentive Scheme and Fisheries Welfare Initiatives: The Fisheries Federation runs an incentive scheme that rewards the best-performing fishermen’s cooperatives and individual fishermen each financial year. Fisheries Welfare Secretary Dr. Kothari stated that solid efforts are being made to improve fisheries welfare and development in the state. There are ongoing initiatives to bring more fishermen into the cooperative fold. He also mentioned that last year the state successfully met its target of 3.42 lakh metric tons of fish production. For the coming year, the target has been set to reach 3.90 lakh metric tons.

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