The Hindu Business Line : Infrastructure for fisheries sector to be modernised

Thrust areas
Modernising infrastructure, especially the fishing harbours and landing centres.
Creating additional facilities for cleanliness and hygiene to meet European standards and boost exports.

Our Bureau

Hyderabad, Nov. 21 A total of Rs 600 crore would be required to modernise the infrastructure in the country, especially the fishing harbours and landing centres to boost the fishing industry.

The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), which has been allocated Rs 1,500 crore during the current Five Year Plan, is confident of supporting this massive programme through necessary funding.

Stating this, the Chief Executive (CE) of the Board, Dr P. Krishnaiah said the modernisation would also include creating additional facilities for cleanliness and hygiene to meet European standards and boost exports.

The country’s fishing industry generates Rs 7,000-8,000 crore revenue through exports annually. It is facing tough challenges, such as hygiene, trade barriers, anti-dumping, dollar fluctuations, etc, he told newspersons on the eve of World Fisheries Day.

Makeover planned

The total fish production is of the order of 6.5 million tonnes now and the target is to reach 10 million tonnes by 2012. In this direction, the NFDB has evolved several schemes to promote the industry, especially domestic marketing.

Dr Krishnaiah said about Rs 250 crore has been earmarked to give a ‘makeover’ to the fish markets, poor fish storing and handling facilities, to cold storage, and the development of a clean domestic marketing system.

Shrimp farming

A major initiative taken by the NFDB is to establish a Specific Pathogen Free-Shrimp Seed Multiplication Centre in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh. Rs 30 crore would be invested in it, he said.

The NFDB has signed agreement with Moana Technologies India (a joint venture company comprising Moana Hong Kong Ltd, Waterbase Ltd and Santir Aquatic) to implement the project.

About 100 acres of private land has been acquired to construct the facility in Mulapolam village. The plan is to build up a production capacity of 3 billion, disease free, shrimp seed per annum. It should benefit 50,000 shrimp farmers in the country and also help them overcome the severe white spot viral disease that is taking a big toll.

National Fish Festival

The NFDB has also lined up a four-day national fish festival for the first time during January 2009 in Hyderabad. The intent is to promote the industry and create awareness about the medical benefits and wide range of value added products, Dr Krishnaiah said.

About 150-200 stalls are expected to be put up. All stake-holders would be invited to participate. In co-ordination with hoteliers special food courts with exclusive fish dishes would be offered, he said.

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