Sri Vijaya Puram, Aug. 9: As part of the celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives–2025, the Department of Cooperation, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries, organized an Awareness Programme on “Revitalization of Fisheries Cooperative Societies in A&N Islands” at the Fisheries Training Centre, Marine Hill, South Andaman yesterday.
The programme witnessed active participation of Managing Committee members and members from various Fisheries Cooperative Societies of South Andaman. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. K. Gopal, Joint Director (Fisheries), Shri Bashir Ahmed, Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies (Urban), Shri Amalatheeban, Assistant Director of Fisheries, Shri Bhargav Chakravarty, Assistant Director of Fisheries.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. K. Gopal emphasized the importance of revitalizing dormant fisheries cooperatives and outlined the opportunities available under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi-Sah Yojana (PM-MKSSY) for strengthening the sector. He informed that a Cluster-Based Business Organization (CBBO) from the North & Middle Andaman District Fisheries Federation has been appointed for the Union Territory to achieve the target of 26 Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies (PFCS) under the scheme.
Officials from the Department of Cooperation briefed participants on the potential of the fisheries sector, importance of Fisheries Cooperative Societies, various initiatives of the Ministry of Cooperation and the concept of Multipurpose Fisheries Cooperative Societies (MFCS).
The meeting also stressed the need for conducting timely elections and regular audits to ensure the sustainable functioning of societies. A question-and-answer session was held to address the queries of fishers regarding revival, registration, and scheme benefits.