The second phase of the fish seed distribution is all set to commence from Wednesday.
Animal Husbandry Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav said that the second phase, aimed at distribution of 70 crore fish seed estimated to cost ₹52 crore, will commence at Singur reservoir and fish seed would be released in all the reservoirs, mini tanks and water spread areas.
Top priority
Reservoirs and tanks that can hold water up to at least nine months would be accorded top priority in the fish seed distribution, he told reporters here on Monday.
The Minister said the Animal Husbandry Department would coordinate with Irrigation, Revenue and other departments concerned in making the second phase a success.
The fishermen cooperative societies on their part should check the quality, size and other aspects of the fish seed before they were released into the water bodies. “They (the societies) can reject the quantity supplied to them if their quality or size does not suit the mandatory requirements,” he said stressing the need for these societies to ensure constant monitoring of the fish seed right from their release into the water bodies.
The department, on its part, had ensured that stocking was upscaled as the fish seed was being procured from other States through e-procurement.
In addition to three species of fish that survive at different levels in the water bodies, the department had decided to release the seed of fresh water prawns, scampi, into the water bodies for the first time.
The programme was aimed at benefiting more than 2.79 lakh members enrolled in 3,831 societies and the government encouraged all the members of fishermen community join the societies so that the benefit could reach more members.
Replying to queries on sheep and goat distribution, he said 14.76 lakh sheep and goat procured from different parts of the country arrived in the State so far.
The government had also ensured that 100 vehicles exclusively to provide healthcare services to the cattle were positioned and a helpline 1962 had been set up for providing emergency assistance to the cattle rearers.
