Backward, forward linkages for fishermen soon

The Fisheries Department has decided to enhance sustainability of fisheries and allied activities by providing backward and forward linkages to the fishermen community for achieving self sufficiency in production.

The department has resolved to provide vehicles, fish vending kiosks, nets and other equipment at subsidised prices to eligible fishermen. The department is gearing up to launch the Integrated Fisheries Development Scheme. The scheme has been conceptualised following the acceptance of the National Cooperative Development Corporation to extend financial assistance of ₹1,000 crore for Primary Fishermen Cooperative Societies, fisherwomen cooperative societies and marketing societies in all the 31 districts across the State.

The IFDS envisages year-long fishing activity and supply of local fish in the State through a saturation mode approach in fish rearing in water bodies including minor, medium and major reservoirs. It was proposed to ensure diversification of fishing activity by introducing cage culture, pond culture and prawn culture among others. The department proposes to enhance fish production, creation of infrastructure for fish seed production, processing and marketing besides developing trained/skilled manpower. According to senior officials, the department has decided to offer 75% subsidy on the two-wheeler, plastic crates, portable kiosks and nets/crafts to individual fishermen.

Accordingly, a unit of these four components which would cost around ₹94,000 would be given to eligible fishermen at ₹23,500. In case of large units, 75% subsidy would be provided for selling unit that includes a luggage auto and an equal subsidy on mobile selling vans. The subsidy on innovative projects like establishment of ornamental fish units, aqua tourism projects and others has been pegged at 90%. The members of the PFCS and member societies would be eligible for availing the scheme components provided they agree to pay the beneficiary contribution as prescribed.

The scheme will, however, be not applicable to individual beneficiaries who avail subsidy for the same components under other schemes.