Regular supply of trout feed ensured during lockdown: Dir Fisheries

Jammu: Director Fisheries on Wednesday called news item circulated in media regarding non-availability of pelleted Trout Feed as “baseless and fabricated,” and added hassle free and regular supply of the feed was ensured in J&K during lockdown for optimal growth of fi
In an official clarification issued here, the Director clarified that 42.42 tones of pelleted feed has been manufactured at Trout Feed Mill Manasbal and stands distributed to various units including private fish farmers.
From 18th March 2020 to 20th April 2020, 25.24 tons was made available to the private fish farmers out of 42.42 tons, he said.
The director said on average basis the consumption of Trout feed in private sector was calculated to be approximately 12.50 tons. Contrary to this, during the 33 days of lockdown the 25.24 tons of pelleted Trout feed has been supplied to the fish farms, which is almost double the average distribution.
He said ample fish feed ingredients are available in the departmental stores of Feed Mill Manasbal and Feeding manufacturing is going on continuously.
He said the department had put in place a proper mechanism to ensure supply of fish feed to every farm, including private farmers.
He said the heads of various projects and districts were already instructed to take up the matter with the concerned District Magistrates (DM) for issuance of movement passes for intending beneficiaries. The passes were issued by the DMs whenever required for the transportation of the fish feed, and the Extension Officials of each district were also directed to accompany the vehicles required for transportation of feed from Manasbal to different places, the Director said. He said it was done to ensure each and every unit both Government and private sector receives the required quantity of fish feed well in time.
He added fish feed has also been delivered at the doorsteps of fish farmers.
The Director informed that sufficient quantum of fish feed ingredients are available at Trout Fish Feed Manasbal. He said for the smooth functioning of Feed Mill during the lockdown and restrictions due to prevailing situation, the staff for the Feed Mill was augmented by utilizing the services of the officials residing in the adjoining to the Feed Mill.
He assured that if there is any problem with regard to the shortage of feed or seed to any fish farmer, he can approach the concerned district officer or any field functionary, who will address the issue immediately.