AIZAWL, June 19 NNN : Fish farmers in Mizoram are doing brisk business these days, thanks to the New Land Use Policy (NLUP).
However, the state government of Mizoram wants that the local fish farmers should increase their products to the extent where they start exporting fish outside the state.
NLUP is a pilot project of the Congress led Mizoram government under the leadership of chief minister Lal Thanhawla. Under this scheme, the government of Mizoram attempts to provide alternative means of livelihood to the farmers who are heavily dependent on jhumming which is detrimental to the environment.Piggery, bee-keeping, fish-farming, grape-cultivation etc., etc., are some of the fields the government is encouraging the local people to pursue by providing financial assistance.
Meanwhile, the Mizoram Co-operative Fish Farming Marketing and Processing Federation Ltd. (ZOFISFED) organised Annual General Assembly-cum-Awareness Campaign for Integrated Fish Farming Programme at Agriculture Conference Hall recently wherein Mizoram Co-operation minister J.H.Rothuama graced the ocassion as chief guest.
The federation had resolved ‘fish farming as a tool for self-sufficient’ as its yearly theme during the assembly.
While delivering a speech minister J.H Rothuama expressed happiness over Mizo fish farmers for their work and products and also said that the practice of fish farming has been increasing which is a good sign for many fish lovers in the state. The minister added that having ‘our own’ products (fish) in the market is a great boon for the health and hoped that in the coming days Mizoram will not be needing a fish from outside. The state government has introduced New Land Use Policy (NLUP) for upliftment and development of farmers in the state and fish farmers were among them who did well with the assistance given by the state. He also believed that NLUP will serve as a tool for long-term development of the state in various fields.
ZOFISFED was established October 29, 1998 with 22 Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies 22 under its wing. Since 2008, ZOFISFED is maintaining 8 Demonstration-cum-Fish Seed Farms. Through government sanction the federation has built Ice Plant at Buhchangpui with an expense of Rs. 22,52,500 besides purchasing one ‘Refrigerated Van’ during last year. 17,900 families have been enrolled in Scheme for Welfare of Fisherman Saving-cum-Relief Scheme for Fishermen of Mizoram State while 781 were benefited through Paddy-cum-Fish Culture. The assembly presided over by ZOFISFED chairman Thangchungnunga and had elected Board of Directors for 2013-2018.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/land-policy-benefitting-fishers/
