koraput : Pratiphalan media
KORAPUT: A two-day district-level Fisheries and Animal Resources Fair commenced here on Tuesday with an emphasis on promoting scientific fish farming and dairy development to enhance rural incomes and reduce dependence on imports from neighbouring States.The fair, organised at the Koraput High School ground, was inaugurated by District Collector Manoj Satyaban Mahajan. He said the primary objective of the event was to create awareness among farmers about various Central and State government schemes, including subsidy support and technical guidance aimed at strengthening livelihoods in the fisheries and animal husbandry sectors.
The programme was presided over by Zilla Parishad President Sasmita Meleka. Municipality Chairperson Lalata Ranjan Sethi and Chief Development Officer-cum-Executive Officer Benudhar Shabar were among those present. The speakers underscored the importance of greater farmer participation in income-generating activities linked to fisheries and livestock development.Under the Chief Minister’s Kamadhenu Yojana, 375 farmers in the district have been registered as beneficiaries. District Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Laxmidhar Behera said that 320 cows have already been distributed, with 161 farmers receiving two cows each under the scheme.District Fisheries Officer Sagar Kumar Ram said efforts are under way to boost local fish production through scientific aquaculture practices. Farmers are being encouraged to undertake fish farming in 300 hectares of newly constructed ponds and 30 hectares of renovated ponds across the district.Stalls showcasing various government schemes were set up at the venue, drawing participation from farmers of Kotpad, Borigumma, Kundra, Baipariguda, Laxmipur and Pattangi blocks. Financial assistance was distributed to selected beneficiaries during the inaugural session.
