The Union ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying has recognized Kerala as the ‘Best marine state’, Telangana as the ‘Best inland state’, and Uttarakhand as the Best Himalayan or northeastern state’. Jammu and Kashmir was selected as the ‘Best Union territory’.
In the district-level awards, Kollam in Kerala was named the ‘Best marine district’, Kanker in Chhattisgarh the ‘Best inland district’, and Darrang in Assam the ‘Best Himalayan and northeastern district’. Kulgam in Jammu and Kashmir was chosen as the ‘Best district’ in a Union territory.
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Kerala’s Fisheries Minister Saji Cherian attributed the state’s recognition to the government’s initiatives for coastal development and its efforts to engage closely with the fishing community. “Our government is committed to protecting marine wealth, ensuring sustainable development, safeguarding the rights of fisher families, and providing clean and fresh fish to the people,” he said.
In the individual and institutional awards, Ravi Kharvi from Karnataka was honoured as the ‘Best marine fish farmer', while Shiv Prasad Sahani from Bihar won the ‘Best inland fish farmer award’. The Mandovi Fisherman Marketing Cooperative Society from Goa was recognized as the 'Best marine fisheries cooperative', and Srijoni Min Unnayan Samabai Samity Ltd from Assam won the 'Best inland fisheries cooperative award'. Anmol Feeds Private Limited from West Bengal received the award for 'Best fisheries enterprise'. The awards will be conferred on November 21, marking World Fisheries Day.