E. Singhbhum to develop 10 model ponds, launch cage culture

PNS

Jamshedpur

East Singhbhum administration has decided to develop at least 10 model ponds and introduce cage culture-based fish farming at Burudih Dam to boost fish production and create sustainable livelihood opportunities in the district. The decisions were taken during a review meeting of the Cooperation, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture, Land Conservation, JSLPS and allied departments chaired by Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Ranjan at the Collectorate Auditorium.

Reviewing the Fisheries Department, the Deputy Commissioner sought details regarding fish spawn distribution, production achieved during the previous year and the action plan for the current year. He directed officials to initiate cage culture-based fisheries at Burudih Dam and emphasized the need to establish 10 model ponds to enhance fish production across the district.

During the review of the Cooperation Department, officials were instructed to ensure the lifting of nearly 35,000 quintals of paddy lying at LAMPS centres through millers by June 15. The Deputy Commissioner also sought information on paddy procurement and the status of online data uploads, directing officials to resolve pending issues at the earliest.

The District Cooperative Officer informed the meeting that around 5,000 litres of milk are currently being collected daily from the Baharagora region. The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to expand milk collection and marketing infrastructure to bring more dairy farmers under the cooperative network and increase their income opportunities.

Special emphasis was also placed on strengthening horticulture activities. Officials were directed to enroll more beneficiaries in gardener training programmes, establish nurseries in suitable locations and promote beekeeping, strawberry cultivation and other high-value horticultural activities.

While reviewing the Land Conservation Department, instructions were issued to conduct a physical verification of beneficiaries under the Deep Boring, Mini Tractor, and Pump-set schemes, and to submit a detailed report to ensure that the beneficiaries are making effective use of these schemes.

During the review of the Horticulture Department, the Deputy Commissioner directed officials to enroll the maximum number of beneficiaries in the gardener training program, to establish nurseries in potential areas across the district, and to provide information regarding the current activities of the trained beneficiaries. He placed special emphasis on promoting beekeeping, strawberry cultivation, and other horticultural activities within the district.

Ahead of the Kharif season, the Deputy Commissioner instructed the Lead District Manager to expedite approval of Kisan Credit Card applications and ensure prompt disbursement of loans so that farmers receive timely financial assistance for agricultural operations.

Reviewing the Animal Husbandry Department, he directed officials to speed up the distribution of goats, pigs, poultry and other livestock under various schemes to improve the income of rural households.

Deputy Development Commissioner Nagendra Paswan, district-level officers of the concerned departments, the Lead District Manager and other officials attended the meeting.