Haryana’s Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister, Sh. Shyam Singh Rana, stated that 25 fish cold storage units have already been set up across the state to increase the income of fish farmers, while approximately 18 more are under process. Subsidy has been provided for 10 of these cold storages.
Sh. Rana was presiding over a review meeting with officers of the Fisheries Department regarding the implementation of budget announcements. Sh. Rana said that a chain of fish cold storages is being developed across the state to promote fisheries and to ensure maximum benefit for fish farmers.
He informed that under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, around Rs 13 crore in subsidies have been disbursed during the current financial year. In addition to the funds already allocated by the Government of India, a further Rs 20 crore has been requested. Furthermore, grants amounting to Rs 45 lakh have been released to fish farmers for installing solar systems at their ponds. He also directed that subsidy payments still pending for farmers should be released at the earliest.
Farmers to Be Provided All Facilities
The Minister instructed officers to work with the goal of taking Haryana from second to first position among inland states in fisheries, highlighting the sector’s immense growth potential. He urged that farmers be made aware of fisheries schemes and motivated to participate actively, ensuring that they receive all necessary support—from quality fish seed to market access.
Plans for Shrimp Processing Unit and New Fish Markets
Sh. Rana stated that plans are underway to establish fish markets in Faridabad, Gurugram and Hisar districts, which will provide significant benefits to fish farmers. Additionally, the state government is planning to set up a shrimp processing unit at an appropriate location within the state.
Farmers to Receive High-Quality Fish Seed
He emphasised that fish farmers must be supplied with high-quality fish seed to avoid any production issues. There are currently 15 government-run seed centres in the state. Sh. Rana directed officials to expand facilities and accelerate progress towards achieving fisheries development targets.
Integrated Aqua Park Centre of Excellence to Be Set Up in Garwa Village, Bhiwani
Sh. Rana announced that an Integrated Aqua Park Centre of Excellence will be established on 24.5 acres of land in Garwa village, Bhiwani district, at a cost of Rs 98.90 crore. The park aims to enhance the productivity of shrimp and fish farming, and tenders for the project have already been invited. Moreover, under the centrally sponsored Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, 25 acres of land have been identified in Poharka village, Sirsa district, for the establishment of a brackish water aquaculture development project to promote shrimp and fish farming. Additional Chief Secretary of the Fisheries Department, Sh. Raja Sekhar Vundru, Joint Director Sh. Pawan Kumar, and other senior officers of the department were also present on the occasion.