Revitalizing Fisheries: A Call to Harness Inland Water Resources

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Saturday called on West Bengal and other states rich in inland water resources to maximize their potential in boosting fish production. Addressing fisheries department officials from multiple states, Singh underscored the pivotal role of India's fisheries sector, which boasts a remarkable 103% growth in the last decade.

Singh emphasized India's standing as the world's second-largest fish producer, with inland fisheries registering a significant 143% growth. Encouraging small fish growers, modernizing infrastructure, and tapping 100% of inland water potential are key strategies identified to enhance production.

While acknowledging West Bengal's contributions, Singh noted the gap between official registrations and the actual number of fishermen. He advocated for improved registration processes and a cooperative model for fish farming to bolster the sector's growth, promising central support for modernization efforts.

(With inputs from agencies.)