Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Minister for Fisheries Nilkanth Halarnkar expressed that the Goan fishing sector has immense potential to grow at a larger scale thereby contributing towards the Blue economy in the country.
He was speaking at a programme organised for celebrating National Fish Farmers Day by the Directorate of Fisheries held at Curtorim, Salcete.
Minister Halarnkar said that Goa is considered as the first State to implement Mariculture policy, which aims to increase fish production through sustainable aquaculture practices.
For Goan Fishing communities, fishing is not a mere business but it reflects deep and strong ties with tradition and culture rooted in Goan land, the Minister said.
National Fish Farmers Day commemorates the historic achievement of Dr.Hiralal Chaudhury and Dr.K.H.Alikunhi who successfully induced breeding in Indian major Carps in 1957 which revolutionized inland aquaculture in the country.
This visionary research boosted aquaculture practices in Goa attributing an increase in fish production in the State.
Halarnkar lauded the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr.Pramod Sawant for their efforts in successful implementation of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Scheme in the State which brought positive shift in the fisheries sector.
MLA, Curtorim Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco appealed to the fishing communities to keep consistency in the fish farming despite all odds faced by them.
Khajan fields need to be cultivated as it helps propagate fish farming effectively. He appreciated the efforts of fishing communities involved in traditional fishing and new aquaculture practices.
Secretary, Fisheries Prassanna Acharya, IAS said that the future of the fisheries sector in Goa is very promising with equal participation of government machinery and fishing communities.
He reiterated the Government’s commitment to provide all the support to fisheries sector in contributing towards the Blue Revolution.
Director, Fisheries Dr. Shamila Monteiro informed about various aquaculture practices implemented in Goa, wherein 400 tonnes of fish production could be achieved for this year through new trends of fish farming.
On the occasion various sanction orders under the PM Matsya Sampada Scheme were disbursed to beneficiaries. Besides fish farmers were felicitated for proper and safe rescue of turtle species into their natural habitat.
Sarpanch, Curtorim Joaquim Estibeiro spoke on the occasion. Deputy Director Dr. Smita Majumdar and Deputy Director Shri. Chandrakant Velip was present on the occasion.
Fish Farmers involved in river cage farming, prawns farming, crab culture, brackish water farming etc. shared their experiences.
