Lucknow: To promote inland fishing, highlight specific fish breeds, and also push fresh water pearl culture in the state, the department of fisheries is seeking subsidies for investors and farmers in the upcoming budget. The department will also be organising the state's first aqua summit on Feb 27-28, where investors, experts and academics will be invited to discuss UP's potential in inland fishing and related fields.
Additional chief secretary Mukesh Meshram said that the department is starting work on making sure that UP first becomes self-reliant through inland fishing and then is able to produce so much surplus that it can send not just to other states but also export to other countries.
"To increase production and also to ensure that we are producing the best quality, which we can then export, we have to find good seeds. Good brooders will have to be identified for this. During the aqua summit, where this year we will only invite domestic participation but will become an international-level programme from next year, we have called experts to suggest how we can improve UP's production in inland fishing and get access to new research," Meshram said.
The department sought a subsidy for farmers who set up hatcheries in the state. It identified specific breeds which will be promoted, including Pangasius, Tilapia, Roopchand, Jayanti Rohu, Amrit Katla, and Desi Mangur. Prawn production will also be promoted, as that can take place in barren land or where water is saline, ensuring better utilisation of otherwise wasted space.
The department is also looking to promote fresh water pearl culture. Around 3-4 units are already functional in the state, and Meshram said that a special subsidy was sought in the budget for 2026-27 to promote this as well. "Fisheries is a sector with a lot of scope, and we are looking at new innovations to improve participation, income for farmers, and bring revenue for the state. The summit at the end of Feb will bring together experts and investors to explore UP's potential and help us in entering fields which are so far largely unexplored," said an official.
A senior assistant editor with TOI with over 20 years of experien...
Read MoreA senior assistant editor with TOI with over 20 years of experience in reporting from New Delhi and UP. She currently covers politics and governance, CM Office and other key departments in UP, and Aam Aadmi Party. She has travelled extensively and covered various important issues and events in Delhi, Lucknow, and various districts in UP, from politics and elections to environment, social issues, rural development, water etc. She loves reading, travelling and music.
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