Fishermen, not middlemen, have a right over ponds: Talasani

STATION GHANPUR: Telangana Minister for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Talasani Srinivas Yadav launched the free distribution of fish seeds (chepa pillala pampini) in the State. The initiative is part of the Telangana Government's efforts to fortify the rural economy and encourage and promote vocational occupations.

Starting Monday, fish seeds or the baby fishes will be distributed free of cost across the State for the purpose of seeding ponds and fisheries across the state. The initiative is also aimed at discouraging the import of fish.

In a symbolic launch of the programme, the Minister released the fish seeds into Station Ghanpur reservoir on Monday. MLA Rajaiah and MLC Banda Prakash were among those who accompanied the minister.

Speaking on the occasion, Talasani said: "The rural economy should be strengthened. It is the government's objective to achieve this by promoting vocational occupations. Under the directions of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao (KCR), the free distribution of fish seeds has been started and this is the first of its kind in the country. The Chief Minister wants Telangana to lead India in the fisheries sector too."

While asserting that fishermen had an inherent right on the ponds, the Minister cautioned them against falling prey to middlemen.