Policy to Increase Fish Production

The State Government has decided to formulate a comprehensive policy to promote fishing and generate more revenue.

The State Government has decided to formulate a comprehensive policy to promote fishing and generate more revenue.

Official sources said assistance of the World Bank has been sought in this regard. Move is on to prepare a comprehensive fishery policy and vision document keeping in view the changes in this sector.

In keeping with the importance given by the State Government to the sector which has the potential to create more employment opportunities, the budgetary outlay for the sector has been enhanced from `402.25 crore in 2012-13 to `447.09 crore in 2013-14.

In order to promote capital investment by fish farmers for increase in production and their income level, the State Government has decided to provide interest subvention of three per cent on term loan availed from banks upto `10 lakh with the provision of additional incentive of 2 per cent for timely repayment of loan.

Official sources said the Government has approached the World Bank for grant facility for capacity building and technical assistance. Though a draft policy was prepared in 2008, it is yet to be given a final shape.

Capacity building both at macro and micro levels will be taken up and identification and implementation of need-based alternate livelihood options for fish farmers for improving their socio-economic status will be planned. Similarly, improvement of health and sanitary conditions in fishing hamlets will also be taken up.

Similarly, the Department is preparing a white paper on extension system on animal resources development and training policy for capacity building of various stake holders.

In order to accelerate the growth of fish production in the State, it has been decided to launch a new scheme to promote intensive aqua culture and fish seed hatchery in 2013-14. The scheme is designed to develop 1200 hectare water area and 10 hatcheries in private sector to benefit about 5000 fishermen.

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