Ampati: The National Fisheries Digital Platform Empowerment Program was held on Tuesday in Ampati, South West Garo Hills, organised by the Office of the Superintendent of Fisheries.
This initiative marked a significant milestone in the digital transformation of the fisheries sector in the state, focusing on equipping fishermen and fish farmers with the digital tools and knowledge necessary to boost productivity, adopt sustainable practices, and connect to broader markets across the country.
The event was inaugurated by Risa V.C. Sangma, the Superintendent of Fisheries, who highlighted the transformative role of digital empowerment in modernising the fisheries sector.
She introduced the National Fisheries Digital Platform, a centralised hub offering real-time information such as government schemes, weather forecasts, market trends, and sustainable fishing practices.
The platform, she noted, aligns with key national programs like the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Meghalaya State Aquaculture Mission (MSAM), which aim to improve the socio-economic status of fishers while conserving aquatic biodiversity.
Sangma also stressed the importance of maintaining financial discipline, particularly regarding the timely repayment of loans, which directly impacts the sanctioning of government schemes.
She urged participants to utilise the platform effectively, share the knowledge gained within their communities, and take ownership of the resources made available to them.
The program featured demonstrations and practical training on the digital platform, where participants learned how to access key features such as real-time market prices, weather alerts, and government scheme applications.
They were also shown how to keep digital records for productivity tracking and financial planning, empowering them to manage their enterprises more efficiently.
A central part of the programme 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) of Ampati, granted participants immediate access to the platform’s services, including scheme applications and market information.
CSC representatives were on hand to guide beneficiaries through the registration and profile creation process.
As part of the initiative, essential inputs such as fish seeds, fish feed, and aquaculture equipment were distributed to eligible beneficiaries under MSAM and PMMSY.
These inputs are designed to enhance aquaculture practices, boost production capacity, and create opportunities for improved income generation.
ALSO READ: IIT Guwahati signs landmark MoU for affordable, high-yield C-Phycocyanin production
Several beneficiaries shared their positive experiences from previous interventions and expressed optimism about the potential of the digital platform to streamline processes, reduce reliance on middlemen, and enhance market access.
The programme concluded with a demonstration of the platform’s key features, including market price updates, weather advisories, and policy insights.
The event underscored the transformative potential of digital tools in the fisheries sector, empowering participants with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions and drive sustainable, economically viable practices.
The successful launch of the National Fisheries Digital Platform Empowerment Program represents a crucial step toward a modern, tech-driven, and economically vibrant fisheries sector in Meghalaya, particularly benefiting rural communities.
