October 24, 2024

Bihar, India becomes self-sufficient in fish production

Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar, India, has declared that the state has achieved self-sufficiency in fish production and is now supplying fish to other states in the country, The Print reported.

He made this statement while inaugurating a workshop on the application and demonstration of drone technology in fisheries and aquaculture.

"The production of fish was 288,000 metric tonnes in 2005, and now it has increased to 873,000 metric tonnes. Bihar has become self-sufficient in fish production. Previously, fish was brought into Bihar from other states, but now we are supplying fish to other regions," Kumar said.

Reflecting on the state's progress, Kumar highlighted the development work before and after 2005. "People know the status of development work in Bihar before 2005. Fish production was very low back then. When we came to power in November 2005, several policies and programmes were introduced. Agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries were prioritised by the state government," he added.

Kumar also discussed the series of agricultural roadmaps that have been implemented over the years. The first agricultural roadmap covered 2008 to 2012, the second from 2012 to 2017, and the third from 2017 to 2023. This year, the fourth agricultural roadmap was introduced and inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu.

The Chief Minister noted that, with the implementation of the agricultural roadmaps, the production of vegetables, milk, eggs, meat, fruits, and other crops has seen significant growth. A total of INR 1.62 billion (US$19.2 million) has been allocated for the fourth agricultural roadmap.

Kumar also acknowledged the support provided by the Central government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for Bihar's fisheries development. "The NDA government at the Centre is doing a lot for the development of Bihar, and I congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji. The Central government has aided with the development of fisheries in the state, and the state government is also taking various steps to promote this sector. The joint efforts of both the state and Central governments have greatly benefited fish farmers."

-      The Print