The Odisha government remains fully committed to the prosperity of fish farmers and livestock rearers, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik said today.
Speaking at the “Ask the Minister” session on the concluding day of “Matsya-Pranee Samabesh Odisha–2026”, he urged farmers to immediately bring to his notice any difficulties they face in accessing services at the grassroots level.
Fish farmers and livestock rearers from across the state welcomed the government’s innovative initiatives and engaged in direct, open dialogue with the Minister.
Most questions centred on the targets set for various schemes at the block level. Minister Mallik clarified that there is no upper limit on targets for schemes implemented by his department. He invited more farmers to avail benefits and stressed that the state government wants every eligible farmer to receive the full advantages of all schemes.
Farmers proposed an increase in project costs and amendments to guidelines under the Fish Pond Scheme. They also raised concerns about banks not extending adequate cooperation for loans under various schemes. The Minister directed officials to resolve these issues promptly through block-level, district-level and state-level coordination meetings.
Participants further requested timely release of reimbursement amounts after project completion under the Chief Minister’s Agri Entrepreneurship Scheme and arrangements for free medicines for animals at block-level veterinary hospitals.
The session was attended by Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar Vashishth, Director of Fisheries Mohammad Saddik Alam, Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Vijay Amruta Kulange, fish farmers, livestock rearers and senior departmental officers.
