CM sets 2.5-year target for fish hatchery in every dist

Bhopal: CM Mohan Yadav on Monday set a two-and-a-half-year deadline to make Madhya Pradesh self-reliant in fish seed production, calling for at least one fish hatchery in every district.Reviewing the fisheries dept at Mantralaya, Yadav told officials to end dependence on external sources for fish seed and build capacity within the state. He said the Integrated Fisheries Policy–2026 has already drawn investment proposals worth over Rs 9,000 crore, with work orders issued for 2,91,938 cages.He directed that pearl cultivation should also be promoted in the state by studying and implementing best practices from other states.Yadav said with fish production steadily rising in the state, cold-chain infrastructure and other essential facilities should be developed. He also called for strengthening networking mechanisms required for branding and export promotion.The CM further directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination for river rejuvenation and the conservation of aquatic biodiversity. A comprehensive action plan should also be prepared to develop aquatic ecosystems and expand tourism activities linked to water resources, he said.

During the meeting, it was informed that Madhya Pradesh ranks second in the country in inland fisheries under the Fishermen Credit Card scheme. At the national level, Seoni district secured the first position in inland fisheries for the year 2023–24.