By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: An orientation programme was held for the new recruits at the state convention centre in Lok Seva Bhawan on Wednesday, for 115 newly recruited Assistant Fisheries Officers, those who joined the State Fisheries & Animal Resources Development department. Odisha has achieved remarkable success not only in production but also in exports. In 2000-01, seafood exports were worth Rs 379 crore, while in 2021-22, it has reached Rs 4526 crore.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while addressing them, said that Assistant Fisheries Officers should act as facilitators and encourage people to take up fisheries and help improve their income. Saying that Odisha is currently at 4th position in the country in fish production, he called upon them to work in a mission mode to help the state catapult from number 4 to number 1 position in fish production.
Fish production in the state has increased around four-fold over the last two decades and reached about 10 lakh metric tons in last financial year. The state has seen 12 fold increase in seafood export in the same time, he added.
Agriculture, Fisheries & ARD Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain highlighted the achievements in fisheries sector. He said that this sector has huge potential to multiply farmers’ income. The joining of new officers will make the department more vibrant, he hoped.
Chief Secretary PK Jena said that fisheries can substantially improve rural economy. Especially, the small and marginal farmers have huge scope from this activity. The new officers should try to rope in women SHGs in a big way to take up fisheries, he added.
Two officers Asmita Pandey and Urmila Gamango, sharing their experiences, said that the recruitment through OPSC is one of the most transparent and fastest processes. They thanked the CM for the 5T initiative which has transformed various processes making the system effective for young, talented persons.
Interacting with the new officers, Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian explained the mandate of Mo Sarkar. He said collecting feedback from beneficiaries and acting upon their feedback is what can bring trust and confidence of people on governance. The young officers should work hard to fulfill the vision for Odisha, he advised.Commissioner-cum-secretary, Fisheries & ARD Suresh Kumar Vashisth welcomed the guests, and Director Fishries Smruti Ranjan Pradhan proposed the vote of thanks.
