Ampati, February 18: The National Fisheries Digital Platform Empowerment Program was held on Tuesday, in Ampati by the Office of the Superintendent of Fisheries, marking a significant step toward the digital transformation of the fisheries sector in the state. The event aimed to equip fishermen and fish farmers with essential digital tools and knowledge to enhance productivity, ensure sustainable practices, and connect them with broader markets across the country.
The event commenced with an inaugural address by Risa V.C. Sangma, Superintendent of Fisheries, Ampati, who emphasized the critical role of digital empowerment in modernizing the fisheries sector. She highlighted the National Fisheries Digital Platform as a centralized hub for real-time information sharing, access to government schemes, weather forecasts, market trends, and sustainable fishing practices.
She also stressed that this initiative aligns with the larger vision of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission (MSAM), aiming to improve the socio-economic status of fishermen and fish farmers while ensuring the conservation of aquatic biodiversity.
Sangma also strongly emphasized the importance of timely loan repayment, explaining that it directly impacts the continuity and sanctioning of government schemes. She urged participants to maintain financial discipline and take ownership of the resources provided to them. Highlighting the state government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the fisheries sector through policy interventions, she encouraged participants to actively utilize the platform and share their knowledge within their communities.
During the event, digital platform demonstrations and training were conducted for fish farmers and beneficiaries. Experts provided practical sessions on accessing and navigating the National Fisheries Digital Platform. Participants learned to check market prices, track weather updates, and apply for government schemes through user-friendly mobile applications. Sessions also covered the importance of digital record-keeping for productivity tracking and financial planning.
A key component of the event was the on-spot registration of fishermen and fish farmers on the National Fisheries Digital Platform. This registration process, facilitated by the Common Service Centre (CSC), Ampati, ensured immediate access to the platform and its benefits. CSC representatives guided beneficiaries through the process, helping them create digital profiles to access government schemes, market information, and training modules with ease.
As part of the event, essential inputs were distributed to eligible beneficiaries under MSAM and PMMSY. The distributed inputs included fish seeds, fish feed, and essential equipment to support sustainable aquaculture practices, aiming to boost production capacity, improve fish quality, and increase income generation opportunities.
Several beneficiaries shared their experiences, highlighting how previous interventions had improved their livelihoods. They expressed optimism about the new digital platform’s ability to streamline processes, reduce dependence on middlemen, and facilitate better market access.
The technical team provided an in-depth demonstration of the platform’s key features, including:Real-time Market Price Updates, Weather Alerts and Advisories, Scheme Information and Application Access, Knowledge-sharing Forums, Policy Insights and Future Directions.
The event concluded with a strong message about the transformative potential of digital platforms in the fisheries sector. It not only empowered participants with knowledge and tools but also facilitated their direct registration on the platform, ensuring immediate access to its services. The National Fisheries Digital Platform Empowerment Program thus served as a crucial step toward a technologically advanced, sustainable, and economically vibrant fisheries sector in Meghalaya, especially in rural areas.
