‘Fisheries can boost economy post-COVID19’
   Date :20-Jun-2020

Sunil Kedar_1  
 Sunil Kedar, Animal Husbandry Minister, interacting with A M Paturkar,
Vice-Chancellor of MAFSU; A P Somkuwar, Dean; Chandrabhan Parate, Registrar, and others during a meeting on Thursday.
 
 
Staff Reporter ;
 
Sunil Kedar, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister, asked the officials of Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University (MAFSU) to conduct a study on potential for fisheries in lakes having perennial availability of water and submit a report soon. For, he said, fisheries can provide a boost to economy in post COVID-19 scenario. Kedar was speaking in a meeting held at MAFSU on Thursday. A M Paturkar, Vice-Chancellor of MAFSU; A P Somkuwar, Dean; Chandrabhan Parate, Registrar; Prakash Lonare, President of Vidarbha Machchimar Sanghatana; and others were present in the meeting.
 
After taking stock of the situation, the minister asked MAFSU to create a Task Force and submit a report within a year regarding management of reproductive fish and enhancement in quality. He expressed satisfaction over mobile fish selling counter, which are to be made available on pilot basis to beneficiaries. As part of giving a boost to fisheries, Kedar said that fisheries would be included as a subject under skill development and enterpreneurship programme to create skilled workforce.
 
The urban and rural economies have taken a hit due to COVID-19. In the post COVID-19 scenario, fisheries can provide a boost to the economy, he said. Consumption of fish can boost immunity to fight infections and hence the farmers should also focus on fisheries, he said. Farmers should consider fisheries as a source of allied income, he added. Kedar also paid a visit to Bull Rearing Centre at Telangkhedi. K S Kumre, Joint Commissioner of Animal Husbandry; Dr Sanjay Thakre, Manager of the centre, were present. After taking a round, the minister directed the officials concerned to complete the work of protection wall around Bull Rearing Centre. Later, Kedar also visited Frozen Semen Laboratory along Amravati Road. Dr Ramesh Bhaisare, General Manager, briefed the minister about the laboratory. Kedar also inspected the laboratory and cattle of Gir, Sahiwal, and Jersey breeds. He asked the officials to increase the capacity of the laboratory to create 20 lakh units.