Port Blair, Sept. 12: Shri G. Sudhakar, IAS, Secretary (Fisheries), A&N Administration along with Director of Fisheries and officials of Department of Fisheries visited Dundus Point, Mannarghat and Shoal Bay to take stock of assets created by the beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in South Andaman District. In Dundus Point, the Secretary (Fisheries) inspected the Ice Plant of 18MT constructed by Shri. Dharmalingam, M/s DSN Ice Plant with financial support under PMMSY. He enquired about the local demand and mode of distribution of ice from the unit and advised the beneficiary to provide ice to the local fishermen at reasonable price. It was also directed to encourage more beneficiaries under the programme to meet the growing demand of ice due to increase in fishing activities in the Islands.

The Secretary (Fy.) also inspected the Shrimp Farm at Mannarghat constructed by Shri. D. Potaiah and appreciated the efforts of the beneficiary in taking commercial shrimp farming which is first of its kind in A&N Islands. The farm has been established in an area of approx. 0.50 Ha with financial assistance under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for culture of shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). The beneficiary explained in detail about the management of the farm and economics of operation to the visiting team. The Secretary (Fy.) directed the Fisheries Department to encourage more beneficiaries to take up shrimp farming in the Islands and conduct exposure visit to the beneficiary farm for creating awareness among the interested farmers. Later, a grow out fresh water fish pond constructed under PMMSY by beneficiary at Shoal Bay was also inspected by the Secretary (Fy.) along with the team. During the inspection, the beneficiary was advised to take up mud crab culture in his field considering its suitability and also adopt scientific methods for taking up freshwater fish culture in the remaining land.