Nagpur: In a bid to create a new generation of skilled fisheries professionals and boost aquaculture entrepreneurship, Maharashtra government has approved a unique capacity-building initiative under which young aspirants will be sent to premier fisheries institutions across the country for specialised training. The selected candidates will undergo intensive programmes at leading fisheries institutes before returning to Maharashtra as Master Trainers to train others, multiplying the impact of the initiative.Asst commissioner of fisheries (Nagpur) Shubham Komrewar told TOI that the ‘Chief Minister Matsyasampadada Yojana’ is designed to expose participants to the latest technologies, scientific fish farming practices, hatchery management, aquaculture techniques, value addition, and fisheries-based business models being successfully implemented in other states. “Preference will be given to young candidates who are genuinely interested in the fisheries sector and wish to build a career or enterprise in aquaculture,” he said. Under the scheme, the state government will bear the entire cost of the training, spending up to Rs25,000 per trainee, including travel, accommodation and course-related expenses. Komrewar added that interested applicants can approach the Maharashtra Fisheries Development Corporation for enrolment and further details. A detailed SOP in this regard is being formulated as of now. The beneficiaries will be fisheries research and training centres across India, where participants will receive practical exposure from experts in the field. Rather than limiting the programme to classroom sessions, the trainees will gain hands-on experience in modern fish production systems, scientific pond management, breeding techniques, disease management, feed optimisation and sustainable aquaculture practices.After completing the programme, the participants will be designated as Master Trainers, enabling them to train future batches at fisheries training centres in Maharashtra. Officials said this approach is expected to significantly expand the state’s skilled manpower base while ensuring that the expertise gained outside Maharashtra benefits local farmers, entrepreneurs and aspiring fish culturists.Officials believe the initiative will not only improve technical knowledge among youth but also encourage self-employment and the establishment of fisheries-based enterprises.
