Kohli stresses on optimally harnessing potential of fish farming

Animal Husbandary and Fisheries Minister, Abdul Ghani Kohli chairing a meeting of Fisheries Department of Jammu on Wednesday.
Animal Husbandary and Fisheries Minister, Abdul Ghani Kohli chairing a meeting of Fisheries Department of Jammu on Wednesday.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Aug 24: Minister for Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, Abdul Ghani Kohli today said that fish farming has huge potential in the State and it has to be explored in a big way.
The Minister said this while reviewing the performance of Fisheries Department at a meeting convened here today.
Secretary Animal, Sheep Husbandry and Fisheries, R K Bhagat, Director Fisheries R K Dogra and concerned senior officers were present in  the meeting.
Director, Fisheries apprised the Minister about the activities of the department regarding conservation of water bodies, management and controlled exploitation of water resources, extension programmes, quality seed production, implementation of Centrally, State Sponsored Schemes and creation of infrastructure for extension, demonstration and seed production.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister directed the officers to redouble their efforts in strengthening the department by way of reaching out to the people with various Centrally and State Sponsored Schemes. “Fish farming has huge potential and the youth of the State should be encouraged to opt it as a self  employment avenues   which will give them good economic returns “, he said.
Kohli said that to promote fish farming in the State, large number of ponds will be constructed under convergence mode with Rural Development Department which will help in increasing the fish production.
The Minister directed the officers to complete the works of  newly constructed Fish Market at Narwal Jammu so that a common place will be provided to fishermen to sell their fish.
Reiterating the commitment to promote fishery and poultry in the State, the Minister said that the steps are underway to exploit both the sectors. “The youth should come forward and avail the benefits of various schemes to fetch good returns “, he added.
Kohli directed the officers to promote trout farming in cold areas and carp farming in plane area to get maximum results in terms of production and revenue.
He exhorted upon the officers to put in synergize efforts for making the department a revenue generating organization and help the fishermen associated with the department in a manner in which they would be benefitted.