Union Minister Focuses on Expansion of Fisheries and Dairy Sectors in J&K; Discusses Increase in Milk and Trout Production; Officially Opens New UHT Facility in Jammu
In a significant push towards promoting sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the Centre has launched several initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). This flagship scheme, with a massive investment of Rs 20,050 crore, aims to bring about a "Blue Revolution" across the country [1][2].
The PMMSY has made substantial contributions to J&K's fisheries sector, committing Rs 300 crore to scale up the industry [3]. One of the notable proposals under PMMSY Phase-2 is an Integrated Aqua Park in J&K, with an investment of Rs 100 crore, which is currently under consideration by the Union Government [1][4][5]. This park is envisioned as a model for holistic cold-water aquaculture development, tailored to the region's climatic conditions.
The scheme has brought about a marked improvement in J&K's fisheries ecosystem. It has strengthened cooperatives and supported small and marginal fish farmers, empowering local communities, including women, who have a significant role in allied sectors like dairy [3]. The initiatives under PMMSY, combined with the Blue Revolution and Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), have reshaped the fisheries sector in J&K through modern infrastructure, improved productivity, and enhanced value-chain management [3][5].
Notable achievements include a significant increase in carp and trout production. Carp seed production has grown from 40 million to 63.5 million units, and trout seed production has risen from 9 million to 15.2 million units [6]. As a result, trout production has surged from 650 metric tonnes in 2020-21 to 2,380 metric tonnes in 2023-24, marking a striking 266% increase [6].
In the dairy sector, milk production in J&K has grown by 47% over the past decade, and the per capita milk availability now stands at 413 grams per day [7]. Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh recently virtually inaugurated a 50,000 litres-per-day Ultra High Temperature (UHT) Milk Processing Plant in Satwari, Jammu [8].
The Union Minister, along with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, also chaired a high-level review meeting and jointly inaugurated the UHT Milk Processing Plant via video conferencing [8]. They highlighted the transformative impact of central government schemes on J&K's fisheries and dairy sectors [8].
National institutions like the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) will play a key role in strengthening market linkages and ensuring sustainable rural development [9]. Minister Singh also encouraged the youth to take up small-scale fishery and dairy enterprises [9].
With over Rs 120 crore in private investment in cold-water fisheries facilitated through FIDF, and a commitment of Rs 852 crore under PMMSY to enhance fisheries in Himalayan and Northeastern states, the future looks promising for the growth and development of J&K's fisheries and dairy sectors [10]. The Centre's focus on cold-water fisheries is further evident in the import of 13.4 lakh genetically improved eyed ova of Rainbow and Brown Trout from Denmark to promote cold-water fisheries [11].
Anantnag has been designated as a Cold-Water Fisheries Cluster, with Kulgam and Shopian as partner districts [12]. These initiatives are expected to boost local fish production and aquaculture infrastructure, contributing to economic growth and employment in the Union Territory [12].
Sources: [1] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784356 [2] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784357 [3] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784359 [4] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784360 [5] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784361 [6] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784362 [7] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784363 [8] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784364 [9] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784365 [10] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784366 [11] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784367 [12] https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1784368
The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has not only made substantial investments in J&K's fisheries sector, including a proposed Integrated Aqua Park with an investment of Rs 100 crore, but it has also contributed to the finance required to scale up the industry. The initiatives under PMMSY, combined with the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), have financed modern infrastructure and improved productivity in J&K's fisheries sector, therefore reshaping it significantly.
