UP has implemented 31 schemes under the PM Matsya Sampada yojana. At least Rs 150 crore has been distributed to the beneficiaries under these schemes in the state, said UP fisheries minister Sanjay Nishad. UP recently won the best state award in the inland fisheries category. The fisheries sector in the state has made huge progress under chief minister Yogi Adityanath, he said.
“It is to give a push to the sector that the Yogi government has given the responsibility of the fisheries department to a cabinet minister,” said Nishad. The schemes of the government at the Centre and in the state have not only promoted fisheries but also increased the income of fish farmers. In the last six-and-a-half years the state has made huge strides in fish farming, said the minister. Last year, the fish production in the state was over 8 lakh metric tonnes, which increased to around 9.1 lakh metric tonnes this year. The production of fish seeds, which was around 27,128 lakh metric tonnes last year, has increased to around 36,187 lakh metric tonnes this year.
Over one lakh fish farmers have got the benefits under the insurance scheme meant for them. The insurance scheme provides for Rs five lakh as monetary help to the families of the fish farmers who die in accidents and Rs 2.5 lakh to those who get crippled. The scheme also covers the fish farmers who get injured.