CEC, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, on July 17 inaugurated a Backyard Ornamental Fish Rearing Unit at Andoo and a Fish Farm at Karkitchoo, established by the Fisheries Department under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).

The Backyard Ornamental Fish Rearing Unit, "Aqualife Ladakh," located near Andoo, has been set up with financial support from the Fisheries Department under PMMSY (2022–23) to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship among local youth.

Addressing the gathering at Karkitchoo, Dr. Akhoon said the fisheries and allied sectors hold immense potential for generating sustainable livelihoods and creating employment opportunities for the youth of Kargil. He appreciated the Fisheries Department for introducing innovative initiatives such as ornamental fish rearing, which encourage entrepreneurship and enhance income generation.

The CEC stressed the need to strengthen the fisheries sector by improving infrastructure, expanding marketing avenues, and creating better employment opportunities for locally produced fish. He also highlighted the importance of value addition, branding, and preservation facilities to help maximize the income of fish farmers.

Dr. Akhoon assured that the Hill Council would continue to support initiatives aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs and strengthening the rural economy. He commended the Fisheries Department and all officials involved in the successful implementation of the PMMSY scheme in Kargil.

Speaking on the occasion, Executive Councillor Altaf Hussain lauded the Fisheries Department for introducing innovative livelihood projects under PMMSY. He also appreciated Mukhtar Hussain, owner of the fish farm at Karkitchoo, and said such initiatives would encourage educated youth to take up fisheries as a profitable enterprise, enabling them to become job creators rather than job seekers. He urged beneficiaries to make optimum use of the facilities and assured the Hill Council's continued support for the development of the fisheries sector.

The programme was attended by Executive Councillor Altaf Hussain, Assistant Director Fisheries Mohd Amin, officials of the Fisheries Department, local representatives, beneficiaries, and members of the public.