The fisheries sector in Meghalaya has taken a major step towards digital transformation with the National Fisheries Digital Platform Empowerment Programme held in Ampati, South West Garo Hills. Organized by the Office of the Superintendent of Fisheries, this initiative focuses on equipping local fishermen and fish farmers with digital tools to enhance productivity, adopt sustainable fishing practices, and access wider markets across the country.
The programme marks a crucial milestone in Meghalaya’s fisheries development, aligning with national initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission (MSAM). These programs aim to uplift the socio-economic conditions of fish farmers while promoting aquatic biodiversity conservation.
Digital Empowerment for Meghalaya’s Fisheries Sector
The event was inaugurated by Risa V.C. Sangma, the Superintendent of Fisheries, who emphasized the transformative potential of digital empowerment in modernizing the fisheries sector. She introduced the National Fisheries Digital Platform, a centralized hub providing real-time information on:
- Government schemes and subsidies for fisheries development
- Weather forecasts to help fish farmers plan their activities
- Market trends and pricing to ensure fair earnings for their produce
- Sustainable aquaculture practices to improve long-term productivity
Sangma highlighted the importance of financial discipline, particularly regarding the timely repayment of loans, which plays a key role in the sanctioning of government schemes.
She urged participants to make full use of the platform, share their newly acquired knowledge within their communities, and take ownership of the digital resources made available to them.
Training and Practical Demonstrations
A major highlight of the event was the hands-on training provided to fishermen and fish farmers. The programme included demonstrations and practical workshops on how to:
- Access real-time market prices and government scheme applications
- Use digital records to track productivity and financial planning
- Receive weather alerts to ensure better planning for fishing and aquaculture activities
By integrating technology into fisheries management, the initiative aims to make Meghalaya’s fish farmers more self-reliant and competitive in the national market.
On-the-Spot Registration on the National Fisheries Digital Platform
A key component of the programme was the on-the-spot registration of fishermen and fish farmers on the National Fisheries Digital Platform. This process was facilitated by the Common Service Centre (CSC) of Ampati, granting immediate access to essential services such as:
- Online applications for fisheries-related government schemes
- Real-time information on market prices and weather forecasts
- Access to financial planning tools for aquaculture enterprises
CSC representatives assisted beneficiaries in profile creation and guided them on how to efficiently use the platform for their daily fisheries-related operations.
Distribution of Fisheries Inputs Under MSAM and PMMSY
As part of the initiative, essential fisheries inputs were distributed to eligible beneficiaries under the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission (MSAM) and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). These included:
- Fish seeds to improve fish breeding and aquaculture productivity
- Fish feed to ensure proper nutrition and growth of fish stocks
- Aquaculture equipment to modernize fisheries operations
These provisions aim to enhance fish production capacity and create better income-generation opportunities for local fish farmers.
A Step Towards a Sustainable and Digitally Integrated Fisheries Sector
The National Fisheries Digital Platform Empowerment Programme in Ampati is expected to significantly improve Meghalaya’s fisheries sector by promoting:
- Better access to government schemes and financial support
- Improved sustainability in aquaculture practices
- Enhanced market connectivity for fish farmers
- Digital literacy and financial management among fisheries stakeholders
With this digital push, Meghalaya’s fisheries sector is set to become more organized, transparent, and growth-oriented, providing long-term benefits to thousands of fish farmers across the state.
This initiative is a testament to Meghalaya’s commitment to modernizing its fisheries industry through technological innovation and sustainable development. As more fishermen and aquaculture practitioners embrace these digital tools, the state’s fisheries sector is poised for greater economic growth and sustainability in the coming years.
