Arunachal minister pitches for focus on cold-water fisheries at NFDB meet in Hyderabad
Itanagar (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh Fisheries Minister Gabriel Denwang Wangsu on Monday called for a special policy for hill and border states to promote cold-water fisheries, strengthen infrastructure and improve the livelihoods of rural fishermen.
Addressing the 12th governing body meeting of the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) in Hyderabad, Wangsu supported a proposal to bring Mission Amrit Sarovar under fisheries activities for fish farming, an official communique stated.
He said convergence of fisheries programmes with the mission would help boost inland fish production and generate additional income opportunities for rural communities.
The minister also placed several key proposals before the NFDB governing body, including special relaxations under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) for hill and border states, such as higher unit costs, flexible norms and cluster-based implementation.
He emphasised the need to strengthen seed security through expansion of carp and trout hatcheries, brood banks, local feed production units and development of farming clusters.
Wangsu further stressed conservation and sustainable use of indigenous fish species through hatcheries, river ranching and stock enhancement programmes.
He also highlighted the importance of developing value-chain and post-harvest infrastructure, including mini-feed mills, mobile ice plants, cold storages, insulated transport and value-addition units.
The minister proposed resource mapping and digitisation using geo-spatial technologies and suggested setting up a regional centre of NFDB in Arunachal Pradesh, with full logistical support from the state government.
Earlier, Union Minister for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Rajiv Ranjan Singh, who chaired the meeting, reviewed the progress of fisheries and aquaculture development across the country.
He directed states and Union Territories to ensure optimal and timely utilisation of sanctioned funds and early completion of ongoing projects, especially under PMMSY.
The meeting was attended by ministers of state for animal husbandry and fisheries, fisheries ministers from several states, senior officials from states and Union Territories, and members of the NFDB governing body.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
