Diglipur, Dec 10: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development- NABARD’s another endevour to motivate and promote local entrepreneurs in the Fishing and Agriculture sector in the shape of “Fish Festival '' got underway yesterday at Subhash Gram Bazar Diglipur. The Assistant Commissioner Aditya Asthana inaugurated the festival yesterday evening. He visited the various stalls set up by the local entrepreneurs, Women Self Help Groups and the Government Departments especially Agriculture and Fisheries and appreciated the efforts of the stakeholders.

The General Manager of NABARD, Ms Archana Singh while speaking to the Government Media (Doordarshan) said that the aim of organising such a festival here is to create awareness among the rural people about the different welfare schemes of NABARD in the fishing sector for the aspirants. By adopting new techniques and technology, the entrepreneurs can derive better benefits in the Fishing sector, she said. Appreciating the role of the collaborating entity in organising the event, the “Swastik Aquaculture Fisheries Society”, Mr Archana said the youth are very hard working and they are showing interest in pursuing self-employment in the Fishing sector and this is a good sign.

The Assistant General Manager Ms Swati too said that the Bank is reaching out to the far flung areas to interact with the people and to make them aware about the benefits being given by the Bank through its schemes. Talking about the flagship Programme of the Government the “Prime Minister Matsya Sampada Yojna”, she said the bank is playing an instrumental role in making people avail the benefits under various schemes to improve their economic condition through fishing business.

Many Self Help Groups have also put up their stall at the Festival Campus. The leader of the ‘Milan SHG’ Ms Anjali Biswas sharing her experience, said that her group has benefited immensely by the schemes of the present Government. She informed that her group is engaged in catering business and fish food products. The ladies are doing well and the economic condition is improving as well. 

Another local entrepreneur, a proud “Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Young Scientist” award recipient Dipankar Das feels that the main hindrance is the communication gap between the Public and Administration. The youth are very talented but they are unaware of the schemes and its benefits. The Government Agencies need to reach out to the common man more effectively, he said.

However, the General Secretary of the “Swastik Aquaculture Fisheries Society” Dilip Roy, who is joint partner in the festival, looked very satisfied and optimistic. He said that with this kind of program, the common people are becoming aware now and they are coming forward.

Apart from the stalls, the Cultural Programmes in the evening added attraction to the two days long festival.