NELLORE: The Commissioner of Fisheries, P. Krishnaiah, has informed that a bill seeking to ensure proper supply of seed and feed to those engaged in aquaculture, is likely to be introduced in next session of Assembly session.

Speaking at a seminar on `Organic shrimp farming in Andhra Pradesh', arranged by the Andhra Pradesh Aqua Farmers Welfare Association, here on Friday, indicated that the bill could not be introduced in last session due to various reasons. The Commissioner, dwelt at length the scenario covering the aqua industry and referred to the worst crisis it faced way back in 1994, from which it has recovered slowly.

The Commissioner conceded that the department did not have the necessary manpower and technical expertise to guide farmers. Hence dependence on private industry, he said. However recently the department has appointed 30 field officers in the State who have recently qualified.

The best thing to deal with the situation, according to the Commissioner was to educate and create awareness among farmers, which alone would provide a solution.

For achieving this objective, he advocated adoption of better farm management practices, formation of aqua clubs and inviting representatives from public and private sector to explain about the latest trends in technology. Also technical personnel, should part with their knowledge, he suggested.

The Commissioner expressed happiness that soon the State would offer post-graduate courses in fisheries and subsequent research would immensely help farmers.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the president of the association, Duvvuru Radhakrishna Reddy, expressed concern over the fate of the industry.

With chances of exports to foreign markets declining, the sector is facing a crisis, he said. The Honorary Advisor to the Association, N. Dolendra Prasad, pointed that organic farming was an impossible task. Also selling the produce was a problem, he stated. A number of functionaries including Srinatha Reddy, Kondala Rayudu, Principal, Fisheries College, Muttukur, Ravindranath and Joint Director of Fisheries, Narasimha Rao, spoke on the occasion.

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