Srinagar: Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh announced that an integrated aqua park will be established in Anantnag district at a cost of Rs. 100 crore. The aim is to strengthen fisheries infrastructure, increase fish production, and create employment opportunities.
The announcement was made during the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries held at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar.
Fisheries sector to get a boost
The Minister said that this project will promote the development of cold water fisheries in Jammu and Kashmir and strengthen the fisheries value chain. He appealed to states and union territories to organize fish farmers into cooperatives and Fisheries Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) so that they can benefit from government schemes, infrastructure, and institutional credit.
He said that cold water areas have great potential for trout fish production and export. Increasing productivity, value addition, and better market linkages will improve fish farmers’ incomes.
Government investment strengthens infrastructure
At the event, Union Minister S. P. Singh Baghel said that continued government investment has strengthened the fisheries sector’s infrastructure and created new opportunities for innovation, training, and processing.
Fisheries cooperatives, progressive fish farmers, Kisan Credit Card beneficiaries, and fisheries start-ups were also honored for their contributions during the conference.