Pakyong, November 17 (IPR): A farmers' meet was organised by the Fisheries Department, Pakyong District, with support under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), at the local lodge in Reshi, Rhenock, today to promote and strengthen fisheries development.
During the meeting, District Fisheries Development Officer (DFDO), Pakyong, Mrs Gauri Mukhia, delivered a presentation on key fisheries schemes and regulatory provisions.
She provided an overview of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), outlining its objectives, intended beneficiaries, and sub-components under the centrally sponsored scheme, including unit costs and governmental assistance. She also detailed the State scheme, Mukhya Mantri Matsya Utpadan Yojana (MMMUY), which focuses on enhancing fish production and rural livelihoods through sustainable aquaculture practices.
She explained the livelihood and nutritional support provisions, insurance coverage, and financial assistance available under the schemes, along with eligibility criteria, roles of the implementing and loaning agencies, required documentation, and the application process.
Further, she briefed the participants on the Sikkim Fisheries Acts and Rules, including procedures and requirements for obtaining fishing licences.
She also presented information on fish species found in Sikkim, the decreasing trend in fish biodiversity, major river drainages, common fish resources, factors contributing to population decline, conservation strategies, and the river ranching programme.
In line with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, she urged farmers and fishermen to work collectively towards self-sufficiency and to prioritise the protection and conservation of endemic fish species.
Additionally, Panchayat Pradhan, Kashyong GPU, Ms Kalpana Tamang, urged the participants to disseminate information on the schemes and expressed concern over the decreasing variety of fish in the region. She emphasised the need for timely conservation efforts, noting that the protection of fish resources is integral to the conservation of nature.
Likewise, fish farmers Mr Sebastien Pradhan and Mr Arjun Gurung highlighted matters related to riverine conservation and responsible fishing practices. They provided inputs on riverine conservation, drawing attention to the impact of illegal fishing, unsustainable methods, and habitat disturbances on local fish populations, and underscored the need for community cooperation to protect river ecosystems.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to undertake joint efforts for riverine conservation and the protection of native fish species.
Present at the meeting were Panchayat members of Kashyong GPU, officials from Fisheries Department, Pakyong District, members of Pedong Fish Angling Association, fish farmers and fishermen.
Report from DIO Pakyong