In a significant move to enhance the fisheries sector, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying S.P. Singh Baghel visited Kerala on August 25 to assess the operations of various fisheries institutes. During his visit, he highlighted the government’s commitment to boosting fish production, which is a key priority.
The minister announced the allocation of ₹1,148.88 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), aiming for a target of 22 million tonnes of fish production by 2024-25. This was shared during an interactive meeting at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).
Baghel praised CMFRI for its pivotal contributions to the marine fisheries sector, emphasizing its innovative research on marine biodiversity and sustainable fishing practices. The institute’s initiatives have significantly empowered local fishing communities while promoting environmentally friendly practices.
During the event, the minister officially launched CMFRI’s specially formulated fish feed ‘Silver Grow,’ intended for cage farming of silver pompano fish, along with nutraceutical products to combat hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy. He also inaugurated a new molecular taxonomy laboratory at the institute.
Officials including the Director of CMFRI, Grinson George, were also in attendance to support this impactful initiative.
