CM: Adopt modern tech to increase shelf life of fish produce

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed the Department of Fisheries to incorporate modern technology to enhance the shelf life of fish produce. “The state government will establish new hatcheries and cold stores along the rivers and water reservoirs to benefit the farmers engaged in this occupation,” he said, directing the department to identify suitable land parcels to set up new cold stores across the state.

Sukhu said his government was strengthening the rural economy and fisheries sector had a significant role to play in this regard. He directed the department to extend handholding support and modern technology to the farmers to increase their income. “The department should organise awareness programmes for the farmers on modern practices, improved seed varieties and emerging technologies in the fisheries sector so that they could benefit from the advancements in this field,” he said.

The Chief Minister stressed the need to enhance fish seed stocking in the dams and water reservoirs across the state from the next season to increase farmer’s income. Sukhu said that fish production was increasing in the state. “As much as 19,019 metric tonne fish production was recorded in the financial year 2024-25, whereas 7,773 metric tonne fish production has been achieved till October this year,” he said.