Ponnam: Telangana Will Boost Fish Production, Aid Fishermen

Karimnagar: The government is committed to increasing fish farming and production in Telangana and aims to strengthen both domestic markets and exports, said backward class welfare minister Ponnam Prabhakar.

On Monday, the minister inspected a fish farm near Ujwala Park in Karimnagar, accompanied by animal husbandry, sports and youth services minister Vakiti Srihari Mudiraj, sports authority chairman Siva Sena Reddy, MLAs, and district collector Pamela Satpathy.

Addressing a gathering of fishermen associations and communities, minister Prabhakar said that the distribution of fish seed had been delayed due to alleged corruption in the fisheries department over the past decade during the previous BRS government. He emphasised that the current government is determined to resolve these issues and will soon launch fish seed distribution programmes across the state.

Thousands of families in Telangana depend on fishing for their livelihood, and the government is actively working to increase fish resources, particularly in Karimnagar district. Fish farming is being significantly expanded in areas such as the Lower Manair Dam, Mid Manair Dam, Yellampally, and various connected ponds. Fish from these areas are exported to other regions as well.

To ensure quality, the government is focusing on producing high-quality fish seed locally instead of importing it from elsewhere. Naturally grown fish, known for their nutritional value, will also be promoted. The government is prepared to provide all necessary facilities and support to fishing communities across the state, the minister assured.

Speaking on the occasion, minister Srihari alleged that the fisheries department was treated like an ATM by the previous BRS government. He said that while only a few fish seeds were actually distributed, large sums of money were claimed, causing hardships for fishermen. He added that meetings have already been held with officials to remove this stain of corruption and transform the department into a model institution.

Highlighting the government's plan, he said Telangana has ample ponds, irrigation projects, and tanks capable of supporting the release of 87 crore fish seed. To help fishermen secure better prices, cold storage facilities will be established, starting from Karimnagar. Additionally, there are plans to provide mopeds and vehicles to fishermen to facilitate organised fish sales.

Karimnagar, already a leader in fish production, will see further expansion. The government aims to make it a hub not only for fish seed production but also for other development sectors, he added.

Later, the ministers and MLAs participated in the Vana Mahotsavam programme held at Sapthagiri Colony near Lower Manair Dam. More than 2,000 saplings were planted by the participants during the event.