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NFDB sets 90 lakh-tonne target for fish production

PUDUCHERRY: By the end of the XI Plan, the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has set a target of 90 lakh tonnes of fish production in the country, according to its Chairman S. Ayyappan.

Speaking to The Hindu, after a review of proposals for training in fisheries from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Lakshadweep and Puducherry on Saturday, Mr. Ayyappan said the present fish production in the country was around 65 lakh tonnes.

“To reach full production potential, we will focus on strategies such as pond aquaculture, reservoir fishing, coastal aquaculture, infrastructure for fish landing, solar drying and domestic marketing.” “We are working with Fisheries Departments of States, Universities and even private agencies wherever necessary,” Mr. Ayyappan further added.

The Board had been allocated Rs.2,000 crore for taking up various projects.

The target would be achieved through capacity-building and diversification of species.

Mr. Ayyappan said that there were other areas like seaweed cultivation and marine culture, which were women-oriented.

Mr. Ayyapan, who is also Deputy Director General of Fisheries, said the plan, presented by Puducherry unit of the KVK, related to training fish farmers in carp culture, to double inland production and seaweed cultivation, and improve the hygienic post-harvest handling.

Deputy Director of Fisheries C. Balu said two Fish Farmers Development Agencies had been set up with Central assistance to give extension service to fish farmers.

“We provide a subsidy of Rs.5,000 an acre for fish farmers from the second year onwards. The department also plans to introduce organic fish farming from this year and will provide a subsidy of Rs.6,000 an acre to fish farmers,” Mr. Ayyappan said.

The department would introduce scampy culture in fresh water to increase earnings of inland fishermen, Mr. Ayyappan noted.

A. Ramamourti, programme coordinator, Puducherry KVK, said in this financial year the kendra would conduct seven training programmes.

Such activities, he said would help increase production and improve self-employment opportunities.

R. Sathiyaseelan, Director of Agriculture, Government of Puducherry, spoke on the importance of fish farming in agriculture.

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