Sirsa Designated as Major National Shrimp Farming Hub
Union Fisheries Secretary Dr Abhilaksh Likhi declared on Wednesday that Sirsa is poised to become a significant center for shrimp farming in India. This announcement underscores the central government's strategic initiative to promote aquaculture as a vital source of employment and economic growth across the country.
National Cluster Strategy for Aquaculture Expansion
During a workshop on saline water aquaculture clusters held at Chaudhary Devi Lal University (CDLU) in Sirsa, Dr Likhi revealed that the Centre has officially notified 34 shrimp farming clusters nationwide. Sirsa in Haryana is prominently included in this list, with a clear focus on scaling up production levels and enhancing farmer incomes through structured support systems.
The cluster-based model aims to establish a robust value chain spanning from seed procurement to market access, empowering farmers with advanced technology, high-quality seed supplies, and guaranteed market linkages. Dr Likhi emphasized, "The idea is to encourage farmers to work in groups and benefit from integrated support," highlighting the collaborative approach designed to maximize efficiency and profitability in the sector.
High-Level Participation and Stakeholder Engagement
The workshop witnessed participation from senior officials including Fisheries Director Pawan Kumar, Sirsa Deputy Commissioner Shantanu Sharma, National Fisheries Development Board CEO Dr Vijay Kumar, and other departmental representatives. Joint Secretary Sagar Mehra and additional senior officers joined the proceedings virtually, demonstrating widespread governmental commitment to this initiative.
Dr Likhi actively engaged with local farmers and students during the event, soliciting direct feedback on the challenges encountered in shrimp farming practices. This interactive session aimed to identify practical hurdles and tailor solutions to on-ground realities.
Field Visit and Progressive Farmer Insights
Following the workshop, Dr Likhi conducted a field visit to Raghuana village, where he met with farmers and reviewed current farming practices. He directed officials to promptly address the issues raised by stakeholders, ensuring responsive governance.
Progressive farmers presented valuable suggestions, including the implementation of geo-tagging and geo-fencing for shrimp produce. These technological measures are intended to guarantee product authenticity and secure better pricing in the market, enhancing traceability and consumer trust.
Woman farmer Satvinder Kaur shared her positive experiences, describing shrimp farming as a profitable venture and a promising opportunity for youth engagement in agriculture. Another farmer, Bimla Sinwar, proposed leasing panchayat land to women self-help groups to foster financial independence and inclusive growth within the community.
Haryana's Leadership in Shrimp Production
Officials noted that Haryana has emerged as a leading state in shrimp production, with Sirsa playing a pivotal role in driving the sector's expansion. The cluster notification is expected to further solidify this position, leveraging local resources and governmental support to achieve sustainable development goals.
The Union government's focus on aquaculture clusters like Sirsa reflects a broader strategy to transform traditional farming practices, integrate modern technologies, and create resilient agricultural ecosystems that benefit farmers economically while meeting national food security objectives.
