Efforts Underway to Grant Agriculture Status to Fisheries – Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane

Mumbai : The fisheries department is being made self-reliant and efficient. At the same time, the state government is making all possible efforts to grant agriculture status to the fisheries sector, stated Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane.

Minister Rane was speaking at a meeting held in his office regarding various challenges faced by the Fisheries and Ports Department in Palghar district.

The meeting was attended by Dahisar constituency MLA Manisha Chaudhary, ‘Padum’ Secretary Dr. Ramaswamy N., Deputy Secretary of the Fisheries Department Kishor Jakate, Fisheries Commissioner Kishor Tawde, Managing Director of the Fisheries Corporation Anita Meshram, Joint Fisheries Commissioner Mahesh Devre, Maharashtra Maritime Board CEO Pradeep P., Chief Engineer Mr. Popte, and officials from various fisheries organizations.

MLA Manisha Chaudhary expressed her support for the Vadhavan Port project and raised issues related to fisheries policies, the Satpatti Port, and the organization of skill development programs linked to the fisheries sector in Palghar district.

Minister Rane stated that skill development training related to fisheries would be organized in Palghar, Ratnagiri, Raigad, Sindhudurg, Mumbai, and Mumbai Suburban districts. Additionally, discussions will be held with the Revenue Minister to allocate 10% of the district annual plan funds for fisheries development.

Every year, a ban is imposed on fishing starting from April 15. In Maharashtra, this ban lasts for 61 days. A decision will be taken to extend this period further, as this move is expected to increase fish production, Minister Rane added.