World Fisheries Day 2024 celebration
GANGTOK,(IPR): Highlighting various State government incentives for fish farming, piggery, dairy products, and farm produces like red cherry pepper chilli (dalle), aiming to promote self-sufficiency and economic growth, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay emphasised the importance of supporting local industries during the World Fisheries Day Celebration 2024, organised by the Fisheries department at Chintan Bhawan on Thursday.
Lauding the
remarkable progress made by the Fisheries department since its upgrade from a
directorate, the Chief Minister stressed the significance of sustainable fish
farming in driving economic growth in Sikkim, noting that World Fisheries Day
offers a chance to assess progress, distribute benefits, and strategize sector
improvements. He highlighted the State government's recognition of the
fisheries sector's potential through the establishment of the Fisheries department.
This initiative boosts fish farmers' livelihoods, increases productivity, and
promotes eco-friendly practices balancing environmental protection with
economic growth.
Notable
programs like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Mukhya
Mantri Matsya Utpadan Yojana (MMMUY) have substantially improved fish farmers'
livelihoods. These initiatives demonstrate the government's dedication to
advancing the fisheries sector through modern technologies, training, and
financial support, he added.
He urged
everyone in the fisheries community to adopt sustainable practices and utilise
government support programmes. He emphasised that their efforts, innovation,
and resilience are the foundation of the sector.
The Chief
Minister said that working together will help the sector grow and protect the
environment for future generations. He called on all stakeholders to strengthen
their commitment to building a sustainable future for aquaculture in Sikkim and
beyond.
The Chief
Minister commended officials from the Fisheries department and fish farmers for
their efforts. He assured that the State government would continue to support
local initiatives and encouraged farmers to make full use of government schemes
and incentives.
He highlighted
the establishment of the Chief Minister’s Medical Assistance Cell to simplify
access to medical facilities and advised people to contact the designated
medical officer in the Chief Minister’s Office for assistance. He reaffirmed
the government’s commitment to providing support and encouraged everyone to
utilise the available schemes.
The Chief
Minister announced the formation of the State Niti Ayog, which will monitor
progress, accelerate development initiatives, and ensure the effective
implementation of schemes and policies. He
congratulated the beneficiaries and awardees and encouraged them to continue
their work. He thanked the public for their support and concluded by urging
people to verify information and avoid false reports.
Fisheries minister
Puran Kumar Gurung, in his address, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister
for his presence and support. He discussed improving fish farming to benefit
the region’s economy and environment.
The minister
highlighted ornamental fish farming as a potential boost to local economies by
accessing global markets. He also talked about central government schemes that
offer financial and technical support to farmers, aimed at modernising fish
farming, enhancing sustainability, and increasing production. He stated that
with the right investments and partnerships, fish farming could become a key
part of the region’s agriculture, improving food security and creating job
opportunities.
Earlier, the
programme began with a welcome address by Roshni Rai, secretary, Fisheries department.
She outlined the agenda of the programme and highlighted the progress made in
the fisheries sector and the State’s efforts to promote self-reliant and
sustainable fish farming.
The secretary
emphasised the various initiatives and schemes of the State government,
including the Mukhya Mantri Matsya Utpadan Yojana (MMMUY) and the Pradhan
Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), which aim to enhance livelihoods and
strengthen aquaculture practices in Sikkim.
A video
presentation on the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
(PMMSY) in Sikkim was shown. The video showcased the achievements and the role
of schemes in improving the fisheries infrastructure and livelihood
opportunities for fish farmers in the State.
The Chief
Minister virtually inaugurated several beneficiary projects under PMMSY and a
fish farm at Chitrey, Namchi district. The farm is funded under the
Environmental Management Plan of Teesta Stage-VI by LANCO. This initiative aims
to conserve and produce high-quality brooders and seeds of endangered
indigenous fish species native to the region.
The Chief
Minister launched the official website of the Fisheries department to improve
access to fisheries-related information and services. The Fisheries department,
Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries
Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore, has launched an initiative to foster
interest in ornamental fisheries among students. Under this initiative,
aquariums were distributed to 50 schools under Gangtok and Pakyong districts.
New
beneficiaries under the Mukhya Mantri Matsya Utpadan Yojana (MMMUY) and Pradhan
Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) were presented with tokens. Additionally,
six fish farmers were handed Kisan Credit Cards by the Chief Minister.
Certificates of appreciation were presented to notable fish farmers by the
Chief Minister, recognising their dedication and success.
Awards and cash
prizes were presented to the top 11 fish farmers in various categories by the
Chief Minister.
A short video
on the Fish Festival 2024 was presented, followed by a promotional video on
trout fish prepared by Rinchen Wangdi Bhutia, an entrepreneur. He was also
felicitated by the Chief Minister with a memento and a certificate of
appreciation.
At the outset
of the programme, the Chief Minister also visited the stalls put up on the
premises of Chintan Bhawan.
The event
concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by KK Shrestha, director, Fisheries department,
followed by a technical session for stakeholders.
