Maharashtra mulls giving livestock, ponds for fish farming on demand
With an aim to boost the income of farmers, the Maharashtra government is considering a proposal to provide livestock and ponds for fish farming to farmers. The livestock scheme ("Pashu Dhan Yojana"), which would be implemented at the village-level, will ensure that farmers are provided poultry, goats, and milch animals on demand. Ponds for the fish farming scheme will be taken up under NREGA.
Schemes will save Rs. 4.5 crore on daily basis
The proposal was discussed at a meeting of Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in Mumbai yesterday. The department will place the draft proposal to this effect before the state cabinet soon. "Fish seeds and feed will be provided by Fisheries Department," a source said. When implemented, these schemes will help the state save Rs. 4.5cr on daily basis.
Maharashtra govt plans to develop its own milk brands
"We get milk from Gujarat, eggs from Telangana, and fish seeds from West Bengal," the source said. "In spite of the milk production being in excess, Gujarat's Amul is a big brand and is sold well here. We are planning to develop the state's own milk brand 'Aarey' and 'Mahananda' by ensuring that they are used in all the nutritious food," he said.
Implement scheme to double farmers' income by 2022: Fadnavis
Fadnavis said the central and state government schemes to increase the production of milk, eggs should be implemented so that the target of doubling farmers' income is achieved by 2022. He said the establishment of animal rearing companies should be encouraged at the tehsil level for ensuring employment to the youth. Annasaheb Patil Financial Development Corporation would provide financial assistance to youth, Fadnavis said.
