Bhubaneswar: The Mukhyamantri Krushi Udyog Yojana (MKUY) is one of the flagship programmes of Odisha government. Since its inception on 1st of June 2018, it has been a catalyst in promoting agri-entrepreneurs in the agriculture and allied sector throughout the state, said Minister of Agriculture And Farmers’ Empowerment, Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, Ranendra Pratap Swain, while attending the Sectoral Event on Fisheries – 2023, organised by Agricultural Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha Ltd (APICOL) at Krushi Bhavan in Bhubaneswar today.
Swain highlighted the importance of creating an ecosystem in Odisha where youths can become job givers. In order to acheive it, they should be provided with right opportunities and support to make their lives easier by implementing the principle of ease of doing business. He advised APICOL, the implementing agency of MKUY, to work in tandem with line departments to cover all sectors. Encouraging integrated farming with fisheries will not only benefit the entrepreneurs but also contribute to the overall growth of agriculture and allied sectors, he added.
The Minister urged to conduct awareness and outreach campaigns in coastal areas and other districts to educate potential entrepreneurs about the opportunities and benefits available under MKUY. He also said that entrepreneurs should be encouraged to explore diverse product options beyond fresh fish. Promote the processing of fish into value added products. Introduce support mechanism under MKUY to encourage entrepreneurs to establish small-scale fish factories in different districts.
Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Principal Secretary of Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, highlighted the positive impact of convergence among line departments on agri-entrepreneurs. This convergence has resulted in improved access to essential services, technology, and financial assistance for agri-entrepreneurs, enabling them to enhance productivity and sustainability. Dr. Padhee expressed optimism that this collaboration will continue to bear more fruit, fostering innovation and growth within the agricultural community, ultimately contributing to the overall development of agriculture and allied sector in the region.
Attending the event, Principal Secretary, Department of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, Shri Suresh Kumar Vashishth, said that there has been a phenomenal increase in fisheries sector in the last two decades. Odisha has emerged as the fourth largest fish producing state in the country. The budget allocated to the fisheries sector has increased 28 fold. Both national and international fish exports have seen a four-fold increase and there has been an eight-fold rise in the value of fish exports. Additionally, fish seed production has surged ten times.
To bridge the gap between Odisha and the leading fish-producing state in the country, the Odisha government has approved a new scheme in the budget for 2023-24. This scheme aims to provide input subsidies to old fish farmers and Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs), which is expected to further boost the sector, said Vashishth.
Prem Chandra Chaudhary, Managing Director of APICOL, informed the attendees that last year alone, over Rs 80 crore in subsidies was provided under MKUY to entrepreneurs. Additionally, ongoing efforts are being made to support more entrepreneurs in the fisheries and allied sectors, fostering continued growth and development in the industry.
The primary objective of the event was to attract more entrepreneurs and investors to actively participate in the agribusiness opportunities within the fisheries sector. It was designed to be a crucial platform for promoting and encouraging fishery-related projects under MKUY by highlighting the various benefits and potential opportunities available in the fisheries sector, thereby enticing entrepreneurs to explore and invest in this sector.
Entrepreneurs who are interested in venturing into the fisheries sector, as well as government officials who play a vital role in facilitating the growth of this sector, industry and market players, such as companies, exporters, suppliers, manufacturers, associations, Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs), and cooperatives, participated in the event showcasing their contributions and fostering potential collaborations.
Thematic experts, including researchers from recognized research organizations and agribusiness consultants attended the event providing valuable insights, knowledge, and expertise to attendees, helping them better understand the dynamics of the fisheries sector and its potential for growth and innovation. It served as a unique platform for networking, learning, and collaboration. Through knowledge sharing, exchange of ideas, and opportunities for partnerships, the event endeavored to attract more stakeholders to actively participate in the promising landscape of agribusiness in fisheries.
