Promoting Healthy Living Through Fish Consumption: Awareness Programme

Pakyong, November 12 (IPR): A one day awareness programme on the theme “Fish as Health Food” organised by the National Fisheries Development Board-North Eastern Regional Centre (NFDB-NERC), in collaboration with ICAR-KVK East Sikkim and the Department of Fisheries, Government of Sikkim, at conference hall of District Administrative Centre, Pakyong today.

The programme was graced by SDM (Headquarters), Mr Thendup Lepcha as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Additional Director, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Dr Anjala Pradhan; SDM Pakyong, Mr Nilkantha Bhandari; SDM Pakyong, Mr Jesse P Targain; Deputy Director, Agriculture Department, Ms Rebecca Gurung; Deputy Director, LRMDD, Dr Subash Dhakal; officials from the Fisheries Department, Agriculture and Horticulture Department along with the staff members from DAC Pakyong.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest cum SDM Pakyong, Mr Thendup Lepcha shed light on the nutritional health benefits of fish and stressed the need to create greater public awareness about fish consumption, promote locally produced fish varieties and expand their market reach to encourage fish farming and improve farmers' livelihoods.

Additionally, M S (Executive-T), NFDB-NERC, Guwahati, Dr Dorothy emphasised on the importance of promoting fish farming in the state and mentioned that the aim of programme is to encourage and strengthen fisheries activities in the state. She also added that fish farming can be a source of livelihood and income generation and informed on the importance of fish consumption as part of a healthy and nutritious diet.

Furthermore, she provided information on the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and various government subsidies and financial assistance available to fish farmers.

Likewise, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK East Sikkim, Dr Prakash Sharma mentioned the health benefits of fish consumption, stating that it helps maintain good health and may help reduce the risk of various diseases. He emphasised the need to promote fish farming as a viable business opportunity in yhe state and highlighted the importance of recognising and promoting the different fish species produced in the state.

Further, he stressed the need to expand market opportunities for fish farmers to ensure better marketing of their produce and improve their livelihoods.

Scientist, ICAR-KVK East Sikkim, Mrs Anushree Gogoi mentioned that fish consumption in the state is comparatively low and emphasised the need to create greater awareness among people about its nutritional and health benefits. She stated that promoting fish as a healthy food option would help increase local demand, encourage fish farming and strengthen the fisheries sector in the state. In addition, she also stressed the importance of expanding markets for locally produced fish and supporting fish farmers in improving their livelihoods.

During the programme, District Fisheries Development Officer, Department of Fisheries, Ms Gauri Mukhia highlighted the importance of promoting local fish varieties and strengthening fish production in Sikkim. She stated that although the state has several indigenous fish varieties, a significant quantity of fish is still imported from outside to meet local demand. She added that fish can be processed into various value-added products, creating new business opportunities and encouraging entrepreneurship and mentioned that several entrepreneurs in Sikkim have already ventured into fish-based businesses, demonstrating the potential of the sector.

Encouraging people to increase fish consumption in the state, she highlighted its nutritional and health benefits and informed an various schemes including Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Mukhya Mantri Matsya Utpadan Yojana (MMMUY) and its various benefits and activities, further also adding initiatives including motorcycles with fish boxes, recreational fisheries, fish feed mills and insurance facilities and government support available to fish farmers, including subsidies of up to 60 per cent under relevant fisheries schemes.

The day concluded with an interactive session attended by officials and participants, providing an opportunity for discussions and exchange of ideas.