Argus News - Union Min Dharmendra Pradhan Inaugurates Common Facility Centre For Cage Culture In Hirakud

Sambalpur, Oct 3: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated a Common Facility Centre for Cage fish farming at Hirakud in Sambalpur district.

The facility, developed over 37 acres with an investment of Rs 7 crore, aims to boost aquaculture infrastructure and empower local fish farmers.

During the inauguration, Pradhan emphasised the need to scale up fish production and explore international markets. “Our goal should be to ensure that fish from Hirakud reaches global destinations,” he stated, highlighting the potential of Odisha’s inland fisheries sector.

Joining him at the inauguration were Odisha’s Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik and local MLA Rabi Narayan Naik, among other dignitaries.

The leaders toured the facility and observed the cage culture fish farming system implemented in the backwaters of Hirakud reservoir.

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The Common Facility Centre is equipped to support cage culture operations and includes modern amenities for storage, processing, and distribution. The initiative is expected to enhance productivity, generate employment, and contribute to the region’s economic growth.

This project marks a significant step in transforming Hirakud into a hub for sustainable and export-oriented fish farming.