649
Various plans, programmes and funding like
state plans, central plan outlays, externally
funded programmes/projects, National Fisheries
Development Board (NFDB) and institutional
funding may be streamlined at state level for optimum utilisation of funds and for effective implementation of the programmes. Similarly, linkages
at district level could be strengthened for convergence of funds available under different schemes
and integrate them for optimum and speedy utilisation for development. Linkages and coordination with the state-level Department of Institutional
Finance and Programme Implementation could
ensure that Fisheries and Aquaculture may be
included in district credit plans and could be considered as a separate sub- sector for NABARD
funding being routed through lead banks in each
district.
30.13 Extension Service Delivery
and Support System
Strengthening and reorientation of extension
services deserves highest attention to transform the Directorate of Fisheries into a professional service- providing agency to fi shers and
fi sh farmers as well as for effective implementation of various development projects and
schemes. At present, the State Fisheries
Department has become predominantly a deskoriented regulatory department instead of a
fi eld-based and client- oriented extension
department.
The policy may recognise that it requires a
major restructuring as well as change of mind-set
and calls for a paradigm shift from the classic
transfer of technology approach which is also
mainly subsidy–incentive driven to participatoryextension system, wherein the potential and
strength of target group(s) is harnessed for
demand-driven and effective extension services
delivery system. The extension system could be
streamlined to provide not just technical support
but a bundle of services covering the entire value
chain mobilisation of input support including
credit and insurance support, market information
and linkages and coordinating social support
services from various welfare and development
agencies (central/states/NGOs) for the clientele
of fi sheries sector. Policy for incorporating travel
support including means of travel (motorcycle)
may be an integral part of any development
package for the development of fi sheries and
aquaculture. Further, they may also deserve adequate support in terms of fund and means for
undertaking frequent travels.
The policy may also lay emphasis on economic and social empowerment of the fi shers and
farmers which, in the long run, would ensure sustainability and equity. Realising that the public
extension machinery alone may not be able to
fulfi l all the requirements, the policy may propose to induct the progressive farmers and fi shers
as partners and extension agents who would be
more convincing among the other fellow farmers.
Also, provisions for creating and using paraprofessionals, NGOs and community-based organisations for effective service delivery would be
made. Commensurate with the envisaged responsibilities of the Directorate of Fisheries, increased
fi nancial and executive autonomy would be
accorded.
The policy may, further, recognise the potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a cost-effective and interactive
mechanism for delivering relevant information
and knowledge to the stakeholders. The staff
may be trained on the use of ICT. In accordance
with the National e-Governance Plan and the
proposed State Data Centre, the Department of
Animal and Fish Resources may work closely
with the Department of IT and NIC to gainfully
harness ICT for effective service delivery. DoF
may focus on creation of relevant content and
updating it so as to derive maximum benefi t from
the proposed integrated models of service delivery wherein all the agriculture, market, rural
development and citizen-related services and
information will be bundled through a single
ICT platform at the village level. The concept of
one- stop aqua shops may be taken up on pilot
scale and demonstrated to the aspiring entrepreneurs/NGOs/cooperatives. This may improve
easy access, save time and reduce cost for farmers and fi shers.
30.13 Extension Service Delivery and Support System
Various plans, programmes and funding like
state plans, central plan outlays, externally
funded programmes/projects, National Fisheries
Development Board (NFDB) and institutional
funding may be streamlined at state level for optimum utilisation of funds and for effective implementation of the programmes. Similarly, linkages
at district level could be strengthened for convergence of funds available under different schemes
and integrate them for optimum and speedy utilisation for development. Linkages and coordination with the state-level Department of Institutional
Finance and Programme Implementation could
ensure that Fisheries and Aquaculture may be
included in district credit plans and could be considered as a separate sub- sector for NABARD
funding being routed through lead banks in each
district.
30.13 Extension Service Delivery
and Support System
Strengthening and reorientation of extension
services deserves highest attention to transform the Directorate of Fisheries into a professional service- providing agency to fi shers and
fi sh farmers as well as for effective implementation of various development projects and
schemes. At present, the State Fisheries
Department has become predominantly a deskoriented regulatory department instead of a
fi eld-based and client- oriented extension
department.
The policy may recognise that it requires a
major restructuring as well as change of mind-set
and calls for a paradigm shift from the classic
transfer of technology approach which is also
mainly subsidy–incentive driven to participatoryextension system, wherein the potential and
strength of target group(s) is harnessed for
demand-driven and effective extension services
delivery system. The extension system could be
streamlined to provide not just technical support
but a bundle of services covering the entire value
chain mobilisation of input support including
credit and insurance support, market information
and linkages and coordinating social support
services from various welfare and development
agencies (central/states/NGOs) for the clientele
of fi sheries sector. Policy for incorporating travel
support including means of travel (motorcycle)
may be an integral part of any development
package for the development of fi sheries and
aquaculture. Further, they may also deserve adequate support in terms of fund and means for
undertaking frequent travels.
The policy may also lay emphasis on economic and social empowerment of the fi shers and
farmers which, in the long run, would ensure sustainability and equity. Realising that the public
extension machinery alone may not be able to
fulfi l all the requirements, the policy may propose to induct the progressive farmers and fi shers
as partners and extension agents who would be
more convincing among the other fellow farmers.
Also, provisions for creating and using paraprofessionals, NGOs and community-based organisations for effective service delivery would be
made. Commensurate with the envisaged responsibilities of the Directorate of Fisheries, increased
fi nancial and executive autonomy would be
accorded.
The policy may, further, recognise the potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a cost-effective and interactive
mechanism for delivering relevant information
and knowledge to the stakeholders. The staff
may be trained on the use of ICT. In accordance
with the National e-Governance Plan and the
proposed State Data Centre, the Department of
Animal and Fish Resources may work closely
with the Department of IT and NIC to gainfully
harness ICT for effective service delivery. DoF
may focus on creation of relevant content and
updating it so as to derive maximum benefi t from
the proposed integrated models of service delivery wherein all the agriculture, market, rural
development and citizen-related services and
information will be bundled through a single
ICT platform at the village level. The concept of
one- stop aqua shops may be taken up on pilot
scale and demonstrated to the aspiring entrepreneurs/NGOs/cooperatives. This may improve
easy access, save time and reduce cost for farmers and fi shers.
30.13 Extension Service Delivery and Support System