Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Congratulates the State for National Recognition
Raipur, November, 2024: Chhattisgarh has once again brought pride to the nation by achieving a significant milestone in fisheries. The Kanker district has been selected for the prestigious **Best Inland District Award** in fisheries. The award will be presented on **World Fisheries Day, November 21, 2024**, at an event hosted at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, will confer the honor in the presence of Minister of State Professor S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian.
### State’s Leadership in Fisheries Lauded
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai expressed his delight over Kanker’s recognition, extending heartfelt congratulations to the district’s fish farmers and the fisheries department officials. “Despite being a landlocked state, Chhattisgarh has secured a leading position in fisheries at the national level. This accomplishment is a testament to the relentless efforts of our fish farmers,” said the Chief Minister.
He highlighted that Chhattisgarh ranks sixth in the country in fish seed production, a testament to the state’s self-reliance and ability to export fish seeds to neighboring states.
### Expanding Fisheries Infrastructure and Self-Reliance
Chhattisgarh boasts **1,29,039 water bodies**, covering a water area of **2.032 lakh hectares**, of which 96% are utilized for fisheries. Additionally, the state has 3,571 km of riverine water resources. To enhance fish production, **6,783 hectares of new water areas** have been developed for intensive aquaculture.
In the past, Chhattisgarh relied on West Bengal for fish seeds. However, with the establishment of **82 new hatcheries**, the state now operates **115 hatcheries**, producing **546 crore fish seeds annually**. This has not only ensured self-sufficiency but also positioned Chhattisgarh as an exporter of fish seeds to other states.
### Remarkable Production Figures
Currently, the state produces **7.30 lakh tons of fish annually**, ranking eighth in the nation for inland fish production. Advanced techniques like **9,551 fish cages**, **415 biofloc systems**, **6 Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS)**, and **253 biofloc ponds** have been introduced to increase yield. Wholesale fish markets have been established in Raipur, Durg, Bilaspur, and Janjgir, facilitating better market access for fish farmers.
### Supportive Policies for Fish Farmers
Under the NFDB (National Fisheries Development Board) scheme, the state has registered its fish farmers to provide better facilities. Through **Kisan Credit Cards**, fish farmers can avail of loans at concessional interest rates ranging from 1% to 3% for short-term credit.
### A Model for Fisheries Excellence
With a strong emphasis on infrastructure development, advanced farming techniques, and farmer-friendly policies, Chhattisgarh continues to set benchmarks in inland fisheries. The **Best Inland District Award** for Kanker underscores the state’s commitment to innovation and excellence in this sector, inspiring other regions to follow suit.
This achievement not only enhances the state’s reputation but also reaffirms Chhattisgarh’s pivotal role in contributing to India’s blue economy.
Author: This news is edited by: Abhishek Verma, (Editor, CANON TIMES)
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