Arguing that Fishcopfed is well-placed to boost FPOs across the country in the fisheries sector, its Managing Director B K Mishra gives the blueprint of the same.
“Particularly in fisheries sector FISHCOPFED can take the lead. There are about 22,000 primary fishery cooperatives in the country and we have the know-how to proceed”, said Mishra in a WhatsApp message to Indian Cooperative.
“On a pilot basis 1000 primaries could be developed or FPOs could be formed by identifying potential fish farmers as per norms. For funding, linkages could be developed with NABARD, NCDC or NFDB”, he said.
Talking about the fund needed for the same, Mishra has a ready solution, “Funds could be availed from Matsya Sampada Yojana of the GOI once approved. But the easier process is empowering FISHCOPFED and providing funds to the said FPOs through it.”
Fishcopfed has grassroots linkages and credibility at field level. We can organise at least 100 FPOs in fisheries sector in two months’ time if given responsibility but things are moving at a slower pace, he claimed.
Perception towards cooperatives must change. If we can cover around 30 lakh fishers under PMSBY and prepare a database of PFCS, why cannot we be partner in realizing the dream of Hon’ble PM, he said in connection with Prime Minister Narendra Modi statement on the issue recently.
Speaking at a public meeting in Tumkur, Karnataka recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government is working at three levels to strengthen the Fisheries sector. He listed three steps for the same.
First – Encouraging fisheries in villages through financial assistance to fishermen, Second- Modernizing the fishing boats under the Blue Revolution Scheme, and third – Constructing modern infrastructure related to fish trade and business.
Prime Minister said, “fishermen have been linked to the Kisan Credit Card facility. New fishing harbours are being built in large rivers and in the sea for the convenience of fish farmers.