Working Group Report on - Haryana Kisan Ayog

Haryana as compared to the national average of 9 kg that is increasing much faster,though Haryana has the highest per capita income in the country. More thanincome, cultural factors seem to play a far more determining role in terms of foodhabits. The change may only be incremental and slow that can become discernibleonly after a decade or two. So the main market in the near future would continue tobe outside the State, mainly Delhi which is growing fast and is emerging as one ofthe largest market for fresh water fishes.2.3. Directorate of Fisheries, Extension System and Budget SupportFisheries Department in joint Punjab is one of the oldest departments of the countrythat was established in 1912, though a little later it was merged with Agriculture dueto economy expenditure during World War I. However, the post of Director/Warden,Fisheries was retained. Later on in 1966 after State reorganization, HaryanaFisheries Department came into existence. During the last 45 years, Dept. ofFisheries (DoF) has grown in terms of its scope, objectives, programs and activitiesalong with human resource (technical and non-technical staff), budget provisions,etc. Its major focus has shifted from capture fisheries two decades ago to aquaculturewith its own vast seed production infrastructure, and freshwater developmentprograms.Presently, the DoF has redrawn its main objectives and activities that are veryprecise and focused, as under:i. To manage and conserve the natural fisheries in rivers, canals, drains andother water bodies.ii.To utilize available village ponds and tanks for fish farming.iii.To provide technical and financial assistance to fish farmers through FishFarmers Development Agencies.iv.To create a class of trained fish farmers in the state.v. To increase the production of quality fish seeds of all species.vi.vii.To utilize unused waste agricultural land for fish farming.To create additional employment opportunity in rural area.( 19 )