The apex body of fisheries cooperatives in the country FISHCOPFED held a brainstorming session on the subject “Strengthening fisheries cooperatives” last week at its headquarters at Sarita Vihar in Delhi where it became obvious that govt treats the co-op federation as a partner in achieving goals of Blue Revolution.
Fishcopfed had invited Salim Sultan, senior consultant in the Ministry who is said to have prepared the road-map for Blue- Revolution. Fielding questions from the participants Salim said Fishcopfed is very much part of Blue Revolution and it is listed as one of the implementing agencies.
Allaying fears that Fishcopfed has been left out Salim said “The issue of Fishcopfed playing a role in Blue Revolution came up in a high-level meeting where it transpired that Fishcopfed is being kept in the loop, Salim said.
The routine of seeking grant from the govt will go on; meanwhile, we should avail the fifty percent subsidy being offered by the govt under Blue Revolution”, Salim said. In his speech he exhorted cooperators to exploit the opportunities thrown up by Blue Revolution.
“Prepare a detailed Project Report and come to me I assure you of all help, the govt today is in a different mood. If you take one step, the govt will take two towards you”, Sultan said. . He exhorted cooperators to contribute in the production of fish so that the vision of blue revolution is fulfilled.
Several participants expressed their inability to prepare a DPR and wanted the Fishcopfed management to set up a wing which could help them prepare it.
Fishcopfed MD B K Mishra said cooperative societies connected to Fishcopfed are financially as well as in terms of literacy weak and there is a need to strengthen them. A grant of a mere Rs 50 crore would make our societies- from primary to the apex-level grow in strength.
Mishra said export worth Rs 35 thousand crore of marine products take place every year in which 90 percent is contributed by our people but they remain unsung heroes.
Reacting to Salim’s offer MD said ” I propose to submit DPR for 20 hatcheries in the country. There are about 500 cooperative societies in the fisheries sector which belong to A and B categories. We have to select 100 of them to help realize the goal of Blue Revolution”.
Fishcopfed MD demanded a preferential treatment for the sector and said on the lines of the north-eastern states Fishcopfed should also get 80% subsidy.
The meeting was presided over by R S Shinde, Vice-Chairman of Fishcopfed and N Satyanarayan, Chief Executive of NCUI was the Chief Guest. The CE assured of all help from the apex body NCUI to the movement.
