KOCHI: Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said that Kerala was the ideal place in the country to start the ‘Blue Revolution’ as it has a great potential for marine and inland fisheries. He was speaking after inaugurating the Global Agro Meet at the Adlux Convention Centre at Karukutty near Angamaly on Thursday.
He said that about 15-20 per cent of fish are lost due to damage during transportation and handling, which needs to be checked by adopting effective post-harvest transport and management practices. He also called for increased private partnership in developing post-harvest management and processing facilities for horticulture produce.
The Blue Revolution envisages transformation of the fisheries sector. The Central Government has appointed a committee headed by B Meenakumari to review India’s marine fisheries policy. “The panel has submitted its report, which is currently open for discussion. All the stakeholders in the sector should come forward with their opinions and suggestions on the report. There will be a supplementary budget for the fisheries sector before the announcement of the Union Budget and projects, to attract youngsters to the sector,” he said.