Union Secretary, Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Dr. Abhilaksh Likhi, visited the Fisheries Cooperative Cluster in Raigad, Maharashtra, to review its progress and interact with cooperative stakeholders. The cluster, envisioned as a model for integrated fisheries value-chain development, aims to strengthen fisheries-based livelihoods through a cooperative-led approach.
During the visit, Dr. Likhi met 251 members representing 156 Primary Fisheries Cooperative Societies and 9 Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) from the district. Emphasizing the Government’s commitment to cooperative-led development, he urged alignment of cluster activities with national initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and the Fisheries Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
Highlighting the Government’s focus on empowering fishing communities, Dr. Likhi noted that a Joint Task Force between the DoF and the Ministry of Cooperation is actively working to strengthen fisheries cooperatives nationwide.
He directed the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) to conduct awareness, training, and grievance redressal camps across all taluks of Raigad to ensure effective scheme implementation. Stressing a cluster-based and consultative approach, he encouraged stakeholders to innovate for enhanced exports, infrastructure, financial access, and market linkages.
Dr. Likhi assured that infrastructure needs raised by cooperative representatives would be prioritized under future development plans.