Bhubaneswar, 3 October (H.S.) Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday inaugurated the ‘Cage-Based Fish Farming Common Facility Centre’ at Hirakud Reservoir, describing it as a historic step for Odisha’s fisheries sector. Built over 37 acres with an investment of nearly ₹7 crore, the facility is expected to unlock the immense potential of the Hirakud waters and open a new chapter in the state’s fish production.

Highlighting Sambalpur’s role in fisheries, Pradhan said the district ranks third in the state after Ganjam and Balasore, producing fish worth around ₹500 crore annually. With the new system, production is expected to increase significantly. Modern facilities such as cold storage, ice plants, and advanced processing units will be established, enabling Odisha’s fish to reach not only domestic markets but also international destinations.

Currently, Odisha produces about 12 lakh metric tonnes of fish annually. According to Pradhan, this output can be doubled or even tripled with modern practices, thereby boosting the income of fishermen and strengthening the local economy.

He further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a “Developed Odisha, Developed India” is being realized through such initiatives. In line with this vision, the Centre has sanctioned around ₹100 crore for setting up a state-of-the-art Fish Farming and Skill Training Centre at Basantpur in Sambalpur. The centre will train fishermen in modern fishing techniques, hygiene, and processing, while also generating new employment opportunities in the region.

Pradhan also noted that 32 lakh quintals of paddy, worth approximately ₹1,000 crore, were procured from Sambalpur this year, reflecting the district’s strong agricultural base. He underlined that sectors like fisheries, animal husbandry, dairy, and vegetable cultivation hold vast potential for the region’s overall development.

The event was also attended by Odisha’s Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Ravi Nayak and Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda