Aizawl, September 16, 2025: The Fisheries Department on Tuesday organized a workshop at the Conference Hall of the Irrigation & Water Resources Department in Aizawl to create awareness about the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme and other developmental initiatives aimed at supporting the fisheries sector.
The workshop brought together fisheries officials, district officers, representatives of various banks, and community organizations to discuss ways of improving access to financial assistance for fish farmers and members of the fishing community.
The programme was inaugurated by Er. Lalrothanga, Secretary of the Fisheries Department, while Sagar Mehra, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, attended as a key resource person. Addressing the gathering, Mehra highlighted the benefits of the KCC scheme, which provides affordable credit to eligible beneficiaries at an interest rate as low as four percent.
He informed participants that loans up to ₹2 lakh can be accessed with relative ease under the scheme, while the government has also approved loans of up to ₹5 lakh to support larger investments in fisheries and allied activities. Emphasizing the importance of financial inclusion, he said the scheme is designed to help fish farmers expand their operations, improve productivity, and strengthen their livelihoods.
ALSO READ: Mizoram Minister Launches Pictorial Guide on Herpetofauna Discovery
Mehra further noted that Mizoram has set a target of extending KCC benefits to 5,000 beneficiaries. At the national level, he said, around 7.5 crore Kisan Credit Card holders have collectively availed loans amounting to ₹5,300 crore.
Participants discussed strategies to increase awareness of the scheme through coordinated efforts between banks, fisheries officials, and local communities. The workshop also explored ways to improve access to institutional credit for fishery workers across the state.
The initiative forms part of the Fisheries Department’s broader efforts to promote sustainable development, strengthen rural livelihoods, and expand financial support mechanisms for fishing communities throughout Mizoram.
