Bhubaneswar, March 9: Even as the importance of fish farming is emerging as a bright source of socio-economic income augmentation in coastal areas of Odisha, an aquaculture farmers’ meet was organized in Jagatsinghpur on March 7. Around 30 aquaculture farmers participated in this capacity building programme organised by ABHILASH, a Bhubaneswar-based organisation.
Abhishek Dwivedy, General Secretary, ABHILASH, discussed on the importance of farming in legalized ponds and avoiding encroachment of government or private land for the purpose. He encouraged the farmers on the importance of formation of collectives or groups to operate in equilibrium and knowledge sharing mode. He maintained that it is important to get certificates to avail schemes based on Central and State Government Guidelines. He also explained on need of getting license from the Coastal Aquaculture Authority to get benefits as per the prevailing norms of Government of India. He also encouraged the farmers to adopt sustainable aquaculture practices and discussed on enhancing their bargaining power to have a better market.
Jyotirmayee Moharana, Vice President, ABHILASH, highlighted the important schemes and subsidies provided by the state and central governments. She also discussed on sustainable aquaculture practices using good quality inputs like seeds and feed. Moharana requested the farmers to add more ponds in Marine Product Export Development Authority and Coastal Aquaculture Authority enrollment process to achieve zero illegal farms at Ersama and Kujang Block of the district.