Use latest tech to increase fish production: Assam govt

"We have to focus on increasing fish production from wetlands and other water bodies by employing scientific methods and technologies to make Assam self-sufficient in fish production," Assam Fisheries Minister Basanta Das here.

He was speaking during the valedictory session of a training programme organised under the aegis of the Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI), Barrackpore, at the institute's Regional Centre in Guwahati.

The five-day training programme which started on October 15 was organized for Junior Engineers of Assam Fisheries Development Corporation (AFDC).

Das called upon the officials, wetlands managers and field staff of AFDC to work as mediator between the fishermen and the CIFRI for dissemination of technical knowhow.

He also stressed on imparting training to departmental staff through CIFRI for upgrading their technical knowledge.

"Since production of natural fish has declined in the state because of siltation of rivers and beels, people have to produce fish in ponds for their own consumption," Das said.

He also emphasised on the role of commercial fish culture from ponds and small wetlands to generate employment and income for educated unemployed youth of the state.

"The fisheries department and AFDC should work together to bring Blue Revolution in Assam to achieve self-sufficiency in fish production. Towards this end, the department has initiated moves to organise awareness camps in district and development block levels," Das said.