Chief Secretary, J. Alam, during the review meeting held with the Departments of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Land Resources and Soil & Water Conservation held at the Chief Secretary’s Conference Hall, Civil Secretariat, Kohima on 22nd July 2022, called on the departments to make sure that the funds are being properly utilised, that the schemes reaches the eligible beneficiaries, and that the various activities carried out should reflect in the results.
The Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources stated that during 2021-2022, fish production of 9,151 MT was achieved (data collected is from the fishery ponds constructed and implemented by the Department), and 280 lakh fish seeds were supplied to the fish farmers at subsidised rate. The target of the Department is to achieve 11 Kg per capita consumption by 2030, as per WHO recommendations and to achieve 22,000 MT fish production by 2030. The Department also pointed out the issue of shortage of Technical staff and vehicles.
On being asked if there is improvement in the fish production over the years, the Department pointed out that unless commercial fish farming is tried, production will be low. He Chief Secretary advised on identifying the areas of common fish farming. Maintaining that what is lacking in our system is the poor quality of data, he said that GIS should be used for comprehensive data. The Chief Secretary, pointing out that a lot of potential is yet to be realised, advised that more innovative and productive ideas should be taken up by the Department.
The Department of Land Resources highlighted the vision and mission of the Department, and the various programmes and schemes being implemented such as Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana - Watershed Development Component 2.0 (CSS) and activities carried out under State Schemes such as Rubber Plantation, Coffee Plantation, Arecanut Plantation, Springshed Management, Permaculture based approach etc. The Department stated that the State has high potential for Coffee Plantation and the target stands at 50,000 hectares. 21 (Twenty One) Coffee Bars have been established in the State, with the Department providing the machineries. The Department also presented slides showcasing the various water conservation works, planting materials distribution etc.
The Department, on the issue of shortage of technical staff, stated that conversion of the excess Casual staff to Technical staff is not feasible as the Casual staff do not possess the required qualifications. The Chief Secretary pointed out that either the activities of the Department should increase or the strength of the staff should be reduced. He also advised the Department to focus on the Cadre Review properly and to address/present the problems there.
The Department of Soil & Water Conservation also delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation of the aims and objectives, and the various schemes of the Department such as Soil Survey & Land Use Planning, Nursery Development, Integrated Watershed Management Project, Mechanised Land Development, Integrated Land Development Under Negotiated Loan, Integrated Catchment Area, RKVY, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture and Digital Agriculture Mission under National E-Governance Plan Agriculture. The Department mentioned that the proposal for up gradation of the State Soil & Conservation Research & Training Centre at Sechu-Zubza to Regional Centre is being discussed.
The Chief Secretary asked the Department to seriously implement the Digital Agriculture Mission under National E-Governance Plan Agriculture scheme, as it will involve many departments and agencies, and also because Prime Minister, Narendra Modi is giving a lot of focus on this scheme. He said that Soil Testing works are going on well at the Directorate and the districts, and called on the Department to make sure that operation, maintenance and providing service remains active even in the long run. He also asked the Department to work on revenue models from the laboratories.
The meeting concluded with the Chief Secretary advising the departments to carry out proper publicity and advertisement of the schemes and projects being implemented, so as to improve the selection process and so that the right beneficiaries can apply and avail the benefits. He also called on the departments to re-orient their approach in taking up matters, adding that help can be assured at the senior level, but the efforts should come from the department level.
(Mhonlumi, APRO)
