Arunachal Pradesh Minister Urges Support for Small Farmers in New Fisheries Scheme

 

Guwahati, Jan 6: Minister for Fisheries Gabriel D Wangsu, highlighted the significant progress made in Arunachal Pradesh under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) during the North Eastern Region States Meet held in Guwahati.
The North Eastern Region States Meet on Monday to review the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was held under the chairmanship of Prof. S.P. Singh Baghel, Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying in presence of Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries.
Wangsu, while expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister for his leadership in launching the scheme, stressed on the state's significant achievements under this program, including construction of new ponds, raceways and fish hatcheries, alongside the introduction of biofloc units, integrated farming practices and feed mills. 
“These advancements have directly benefited over 3,000 farmers, boosting their incomes and contributing to economic development, but despite these successes, the state still faces challenges in meeting the growing demand for table fish and fingerlings,” Wangsu said. He claimed that the current production stands at 9428 MT of table fish and 13 million fingerlings, whereas the demand is much higher, and expressed hope that with the full implementation of PMMSY projects, the state would be able to meet a part of this demand, adding 844 MT of table fish and 3 million fingerlings.
Speaking on the upcoming transition to the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY) in the 2025-26 financial year, Minister Wangsu expressed concerns that the new scheme’s structure may not fully accommodate small-scale farmers in Arunachal Pradesh. He pointed out that aquaculture in the state is still at an early stage, with limited organizational frameworks like cooperatives and self-help groups to support farmers.  
Wangsu also outlined several key challenges facing the state's fisheries sector, including limited seed production, feed scarcity and inadequate infrastructure. He proposed several solutions, such as establishing a substation of the Directorate of Coldwater Fisheries Research in the state, utilizing geospatial techniques for resource mapping and supporting local feed production initiatives.
The Minister further highlighted the potential of ornamental fisheries and the need for conservation efforts for indigenous fish species. He also emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges faced by farmers in accessing loans and Kisan Credit Cards.
Wangsu concluded by urging the central government to consider the suggestions made by Arunachal Pradesh to ensure the equitable development of the fisheries sector in the state.
The day-long programme was attended by the Fisheries Ministers and Secretaries and senior officers from all the North Eastern states.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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