JAMMU, JANUARY 8: Director Fisheries, J&K, Mohammad Farooq Dar, chaired a review meeting of the Fisheries Department.A detailed review of functioning as well as progress of several schemes, CSS, CAPEX etc of the Department was taken during the meeting. He directed the officers to identify potential areas of fish production and prioritise setting up of fisheries units in the private sector for further growth of the sector and welfare of those associated with the trade.Emphasis was laid on generating awareness among the general masses, particularly the SC/ST community about fisheries related business.The department was directed to utilise different media channels to publicize the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and several other beneficiary oriented schemes of the department.Pertinently, PMMSY is an initiative launched by the Government of India to establish a comprehensive framework and reduce infrastructural gaps in the fisheries sector.The policy envisages integrating all the fishermen with agriculture farmers and providing all the facilities available through various farmer welfare schemes to the fishermen. While reviewing the progress on CSS and other schemes, the Director exhorted to the officers to work with utmost dedication and diligence so that the benefits of the welfare schemes percolate down to the beneficiaries. He directed the officers to prioritise setting of fish units in feasible areas for better growth of the sector as well creating employment avenues for locals. He said the department and officers must work diligently to deliver benefits of welfare and developmental schemes on ground. He asked the officers to provide constant handholding to the existing unit holders so that the production can be enhanced. He stressed upon the officers that awareness camps should be held across J&K so that people are encouraged and assisted for starting entrepreneurial ventures.Reiterating the need for developing better marketing and export facilities, the Director said increasing the fish production two fold was no good unless there is good fish processing, storage, packaging and logistic facilities. People need to be encouraged and assisted for starting entrepreneurial ventures in these sectors.The Director directed the officers to maintain punctuality in the office with strict implementation of biometric attendance. The meeting was attended by Joint Directors Fisheries, Deputy Director Fisheries and all the District Officers of the Fisheries department.
