TFP Bureau, Raipur, November 21, 2024: Kanker district of Chhattisgarh has been honored with the prestigious Best Inland District Award for its outstanding performance in fisheries. The award was presented today on the occasion of World Fisheries Day at a ceremony held at Sushma Swaraj Bhavan, New Delhi. Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairy Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, along with Ministers of State Professor S.P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurien, handed over the trophy and citation to Shri Narayan Singh Nag, Director of Fisheries, Chhattisgarh, and Assistant Director of Fisheries, Kanker, Shri S.S. Kanwar.
This recognition follows Chhattisgarh’s earlier accolade as the Best Inland State in fisheries, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the sector despite being a landlocked state.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnudev Sai congratulated Kanker district and the state’s fish farmers and Fisheries Department officials for this achievement. “This is a proud moment for Chhattisgarh. Despite geographical constraints, our state has emerged as a frontrunner in fisheries. Chhattisgarh is self-sufficient in fish seed production, and this success is a result of the relentless efforts of our fish farmers,” he remarked.
Chhattisgarh boasts a water area of 2.032 lakh hectares for fish farming, with 96% of it actively utilized. The state produces 546 crore fish seeds and 7.30 lakh tonnes of fish annually, with a significant portion being exported to neighboring states. It ranks 6th in the country for fish seed production and 8th for overall fish production.
To support fish farmers, the state government provides loans through the Kisan Credit Card scheme, with short-term loans available at interest rates between 1% and 3%. This comprehensive support system has strengthened Chhattisgarh’s position as a key player in India’s fisheries sector.
The award is a testament to the hard work of fish farmers and the commitment of the Fisheries Department to promote sustainable aquaculture in the state.
