Chandigarh, October 31 (). Taking an important step towards conservation and promotion of aquatic biodiversity of the state, Punjab Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development and Fisheries Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian on Friday declared Rohu (Labeo rohita) as the state fish. Highlighting the rich aquatic resources of the state, Khudiyan said Punjab’s aquatic sector is flourishing, with 43,683 acres of land dedicated to fish farming, yielding 2,00,000 metric tonnes of fish annually.
Rohu has an important contribution in this, whose production is 42,353 metric tons (21.18 percent of total production). Its price is Rs 160-200 per kg.
This prized fish can grow up to 45 kg in natural habitats due to its fusiform body and large ring-like scales. He further said that Rohu fish is rich in protein, vitamins A, B and D and Omega-3 fatty acids, due to which it is a favorite dish not only in Punjab but also in other states. Minister Khudian congratulated the Fisheries Department and stakeholders on declaring Rohu as the state fish. Acknowledged their role in the development of the sector, also highlighted the importance of Indian Major Carps (IMCs) Rohu, Katla and Mrigal.
Principal Secretary Rahul Bhandari said declaring Rohu as the state fish will help in formulating a targeted policy to increase its population in the reservoirs and increase aquaculture production, thereby boosting the state’s economy.
He further informed that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, while promoting fish farming on a large scale under the PMMSY scheme, has provided self-employment opportunities to 637 beneficiaries in fish farming with a subsidy of Rs 30.63 crore.
The aim of this initiative is to promote agriculture and boost the economy of the state. Fisheries Director Gurpreet Singh and other senior officials of the department were also present on this occasion.
Let us tell you that Rohu is one of the most popular freshwater fish species of India, and it has an important place in the culinary traditions and aquaculture industry of the country. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and essential minerals.
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ASH/DKP