Meghalaya’s Fisheries Minister AL Hek highlights 12.33% production growth at 2nd Fisheries Summer Meet in Madurai

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 12, 2024

AL Hek, Minister of Fisheries, Government of Meghalaya  attended the  2nd Fisheries Summer Meet, 2024 on July 12 held at  Madurai, Tamil Nadu, organized by Department of Fisheries, Government of India along with SC Sadhu, Secretary, Fisheries, and AL Mawlong, Director of Fisheries.

The event was marked by the e-inauguration of projects by Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Government of India, in the presence of Unoin Minister of State, Fisheries, and other State Ministers and dignitaries where projects across India, funded under PMMSY were e-inaugurated, including four projects  worth 57  lakhs of Ri Bhoi District, viz, Fish Kiosk at Liarbang of Ronal Tado, Biofloc Pond at Mawkangi and Mawiong, Sohbang of Pyrkhatjngai Syngkli and  Manbhatiolin Kharmyndai, Indigenous Breeding Unit at Lalumpam Marngar of  Gumbir Syiem.

In his address, AL Hek underscored Meghalaya’s profound commitment to sustainable development in fisheries, highlighting its pivotal role in the State’s socio-economic fabric.

In a significant update on Meghalaya’s Fisheries Sector, Hek highlighted its growth despite being in its infant stage, with over 35,000 fish farmers and 4,500 hectares under fish culture. He emphasized the sector’s 12.33% production growth from 4799 MT in 2011-12 to 20,208 MT in 2023-24, attributing this success to the State and Central Government initiatives, with special recognition to the fish farmers of the State.

Acknowledging Fisheries as not only a livelihood but a cultural and environmental cornerstone, the Minister  cited Meghalaya’s increased per capita fish consumption to 11 kilograms in the past five years, boosted by programs like the Blue Revolution and PMMSY. He highlighted the addition of 2,299 hectares through these schemes, along with advancements in technology and critical infrastructures benefiting fish production.

Looking forward, the Minister outlined Meghalaya’s strategic focus on sustainable practices, exemplified by the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission and conservation efforts for native fish species through community-managed sanctuaries and protective breeding areas. He announced plans for the mission’s third phase, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency through enhanced financial frameworks.

Addressing challenges unique to Meghalaya’s terrain, the Minister stressed the importance of timely financial assistance and insurance in mitigating natural calamities’ impact on fish farmers, calling for robust collaboration across sectors.

The Minister earnestly appealed to the Union Minister and the concerned officers to expedite the approval and sanction of schemes proposed by the Fisheries Department of Meghalaya since the last Summer Meet in 2023 for the benefit of the fish farmers. He also extended an invitation to stakeholders to collaborate with Meghalaya in forging a sustainable future for fisheries. He emphasized leveraging the State’s unique strengths, such as cave fishes and ornamental fisheries, to drive innovation and conservation efforts. Reaffirming Meghalaya’s commitment to exemplary leadership in responsible fisheries management, he urged the development of actionable strategies that not only benefit the state but also contribute to global conservation endeavors.