Aizawl, May 13 (PTI) Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Wednesday said that the state has vast untapped potential for fish farming and only around 25 per cent of the suitable area is developed for pisciculture.
Addressing the Mizoram Fish Farmers' Meet held in Aizawl, Lalduhoma said that Mizoram has an estimated 24,000 hectares suitable for fish farming, but fish ponds have so far been developed in only around 6,000 hectares, which is 25 per cent of the total potential area.
He said that one of the major challenges in fish production in Mizoram is the limited number of ponds and poor storage facilities.
He also pointed out that the state's fish productivity per hectare remains low.
The chief minister stressed that increasing fish productivity from existing ponds should now become a priority, even if new ponds cannot immediately be developed.
He emphasised the need for fish farmers to adopt modern technologies and scientific practices in fish farming, including proper pond management, fish health care, and feeding practices, to improve productivity and profitability.
Lalduhoma said that the government is actively working to enhance fish production through various schemes such as the Blue Revolution, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), and the state's flagship programme 'Bana Kaih' (Handholding) scheme.
He added that preparations and action plans are already in place for the anticipated rollout of PMMSY 2.0.
According to the chief minister, under the Bana Kaih scheme, assistance for fish pond construction has been provided to 201 beneficiaries through the Chief Minister's Special Package, while 14 beneficiaries received support through the loan component.
In the second phase of the scheme, 27 beneficiaries have received assistance under the special package and five through the loan component, he said.
He also said applications under the ongoing second phase remain open for eligible project proposals.
The chief minister also highlighted that the government is exploring additional initiatives beyond existing central schemes and Bana Kaih support, and assured that viable proposals with proper project details and financial requirements would be seriously considered for implementation.
The event was also attended by Mizoram Fisheries Minister Lalthansanga.