Mandya DC Calls for Stronger Market Support for Local Fish Industry

Quick Summary:

• Deputy Commissioner of Mandya, Kumar, has highlighted the potential to create a robust market for the annual production of 30,000 tonnes of fish in Mandya district and emphasised the importance of fish farming.
• At a district-level meeting for Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), it was noted that the district hosts 856 lakes (177 under Fisheries Department and 688 under gram panchayats), along with fish farming across 26 river stretches and four reservoirs.
• During 2024-25, financial assistance amounting to ₹224.21 lakh was provided to 150 beneficiaries under PMMSY. Over the last five years, ₹513.38 lakh has supported a total of 742 identified beneficiaries.
• Mandya’s fishermen population is meaningful with over 45,000 individuals and represented by 47 co-operative societies.
• officials stressed training in modern fish farming techniques and strict monitoring to avoid misuse of finance provided under PMMSY.
• A book detailing benefits and achievements from PMMSY’s implementation in recent years was released during the event.

indian Opinion Analysis:

The focus on developing fisheries through schemes like PMMSY showcases its potential as both an employment-generator for rural populations in Mandya district and an opportunity to diversify agricultural activity by incorporating aquaculture practices into existing resources such as lakes, rivers, and agricultural ponds. With financial aid being made available at scale-₹513.38 lakh over five years-the scheme seems poised to make meaningful economic contributions if properly implemented.

Though, two key factors emerge as areas needing attention: effective monitoring mechanisms are necessary to ensure funds are not misused; additionally, training in modern techniques could help improve productivity among local beneficiaries while also enabling sustainable practices within these ecosystems.There is latent scope here for developing infrastructure around fisheries that can align with broader economic goals such as rural growth without putting undue stress on natural water resources.

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