Kikheto seeks assistance for development of fisheries in Nagaland

DIMAPUR — Highlighting that about 12% of the potential areas in Nagaland has been utilised till date for fisheries development, the commissioner and secretary of Law and Justice and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Y Kikheto Sema, has urged the central government to provide more areas for development of fisheries in Nagaland.

Sema stated this during a review meeting of Pradhan Mantri Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) held under the chairmanship of Union secretary of fisheries at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, on September 11, stated a DIPR report.

With the culmination of PMMSY scheme, Kikheto has suggested the following components to be incorporated in the new guidelines for the coming 5 years. The suggestions included:

1. Integrated cluster fish farming with frog, crab, snail, duckery, poultry, piggery, diary etc. with infrastructure facilities such as pack house, feed mill especially for the northeastern states and Nagaland in particular.

2. Fisheries eco-tourism should be encouraged in northeastern states with special reference to Nagaland.

3. Farmer/ entrepreneur hands on training in the farm and exposure to other states should be encouraged and funded.

4. To provide enough funds for quality fish market/ kiosk, recreational fisheries, brood bank etc.

5. The cost norms of different components should be revised and the farmer’s contribution should also be reduced especially for the northeastern states and Nagaland in particular.

6. Component of renovation of old ponds and tanks should be incorporated.

The report stated that the union secretary, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, has assured to look into the matter.

Sema was accompanied by the director of Fisheries, Rongsennungba, and deputy director, Dr. Rongsenkumzuk.

Sema also called upon the union secretary of Law and Justice, Dr Rajiv Mani, on September 10 and requested for early release of fund for the ongoing district court in Mon and Noklak as well as for the up gradation of old district court.

He also stated that land acquisition has been finalised for the remaining new districts of Shamator, Tseminyu and Niuland and urged the Government of India to consider for construction of district courts in the coming year.