The Project would undertake study and analysis of the existing policies/ rules/ guidelines, in operation in the state and in different parts of the Country. Empirical studies in different areas would be undertaken to assess the current ground situation.

The key stake holders will visit different states, having sound fisheries policies, and study the Central Fishery/ Environment/ Agriculture/ ARD policies to get an overview.

The Project staff would hold extensive consultations among the various stake holders to elicit their opinions, to provide useful inputs for shaping the Policy.

Another major concern was on the capacity building of Government Department, which should be addressed comprehensively.

Through strategic pilot action research projects, the scope of value addition by way of provision and adoption of international practices, standards and technologies in harvesting, post harvest handling, transportation, storage, processing and marketing of fish and fish products etc. would be tried for.

The Project would facilitate establishment of a Centre for Fisheries and Aquaculture Management, Policy Advocacy and Facilitation for mutually beneficial public-private partnership projects in the fisheries sector.

Procurement of equipment (Computer etc.) under the item "support to the Government" is under process.

Design and development of a web site titled as the "Center for Fisheries and Aquaculture Management and Support" to be maintained by the Directorate is under process. It was decided that the Director, Fisheries would designate some officials working him for this purpose.

The paper for consultation with CII/ Investors for private participation has been prepared which would be taken forward. On the suggestion of the Chairman that the issues of Animal Husbandry being similarly important for the state and hence to be discussed together in the same workshop, it was decided that UNDP would take steps for organizing a workshop to discuss the relevant issues of Fisheries & Animal Husbandry together in such workshop involving CII/ Investors. It was agreed to develop a paper on the Animal Husbandry also. Mr. Harsh Singh ARR assured to take lead in this regard to facilitate such a partnership involving the corporate sector. It was hoped that the workshop would possibly be organized during October 2005.

The Project Co-ordinator informed the house that steps have been taken to involve a number of Institutions (under ICAR system and other Institutes/organizations) in the current exercise (for desk research etc.); some of them being 1. CIFA, 2. CICEF, 3. ORSAC, 4. SAMEER, 5. CIFT, 6. CIMFRI, 7. NIOT, 8. APICOL, 9. CRRI, 10. Employment Mission, 11. CRISIL etc.

It was intimated that ccollection of all Orissa Government Fisheries related circulars/ government orders/ instructions/ rules/ Acts are in process for publication of a compendium. These materials would also be published in the website.

Two Fisheries Officers of the Department are being trained on the "Cluster Development Approaches" at XIMB during 17th August to 27th October 2005 (programme organized by UNIDO & XIMB). The Commissioner cum Secretary agreed to spare the services of these two officers for the full time diagnostic study during the second phase on a request from the Project Co-ordinator.

The Chairman suggested that Vision document should be developed as the first outcome of the exercise followed by the Comprehensive Policy. The process for both the outputs should be pursued simultaneously. Accordingly, the work plan would require little change in terms of the delivery schedule.

The Chairman suggested that a publication should be attempted on the Orissa Fisheries, to serve as a reference book, as there is none at present.

There was a general agreement on the need of massive awareness generation on technology, better practices as the current level of activities are at the subsistence level. Various training and capacity building programs for the staff of the department and mostly for the FEOs/ FDs would be required in the sector.

There was also a suggestion to do intensive piloting in selected district to demonstrate impacts effectively

It was stated by Mr. Harsh Singh that Fisheries being an important sector for women from the points of view of their employment, nutrition and social issues, a study from the gender perspective of various issues such as the equity, participation, income etc must be undertaken. While agreeing to this view, the Chairman suggested that a consultant may be identified to undertake such a study involving desk research and empirical investigation. Similarly, it was agreed to conduct another study on the issues/problems of small/ marginal farmers/ persons engaged in various activities of this sector at the level of subsistence.

The Project Co-ordinator requested that the Government should take a quick decision regarding relieving Mr. B. K. Majhi, who is currently working as the District Fisheries Officer, Ganjam to enable him to join the project as the Project Associate (Technical).The Joint Secretary replied that action would be taken very soon to relieve him.

The Chairman expressed happiness over the progress made so far and particularly for the pace at which things are happening after the new management team has taken over the project. He thanked UNDP for the same. He informed that as the proposals for the studies/ desk research etc are being received, they are being reviewed at his level.

The meeting concluded with thanks to the chair.