SAMBA, APRIL 01: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Samba Ayushi Sudan today inaugurated the distribution of insulated ice boxes among fishermen and fish farmers at a function held in the meeting hall of DC Office Complex.
The ice boxes are being provided to fishermen under the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP), an IFAD-supported initiative aimed at strengthening agriculture and allied sectors in four designated blocks of Samba district, namely Ghagwal, Sumb, Nud and Purmandal.
The initiative is aimed at supporting fishermen and fish farmers to maintain the freshness and quality of fish, minimize spoilage and ensure hygienic handling during storage and transportation.
The District Level Committee (DLC) has approved 180 applications under the scheme, out of which 98 beneficiaries were provided ice boxes (50 litres and 25 litres each) in the current financial year 2025–26, reflecting effective outreach and participation of the local fishing community.
Speaking on the occasion, the DDC stated that the intervention is intended to strengthen direct market linkages for traditional fishing communities. She further emphasized that provision of such infrastructure will enhance shelf life, reduce post-harvest losses and enable fishers to obtain better remuneration for their produce.
The initiative aligns with the broader objective of JKCIP to empower vulnerable and traditional occupational groups, including fishermen and fish farmers, through climate-resilient and market-oriented support mechanisms.
The beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the support extended under the project and assured effective utilization of the distributed assets for livelihood enhancement.
The event was attended by the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, General Manager District Industries Centre, Chief Agriculture Officer, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, DDM NABARD, Chief Horticulture Officer, Lead District Manager and Assistant Director Fisheries Samba.