BHUBANESWAR: Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) today signed a memorandum of understanding with the Odisha State Fishermen's Cooperative Federation (FISHFED) for the supply of subsidised diesel to fishermen for their fishing boats.
As per the MoU, IOCL will install consumer pumps at fish landing centres for supply of diesel for 25 years. The fishermen will get subsidised diesel for fishing trawlers and boats operated by them.
As per the agreement, fishermen will get 50 paisa subsidy on a litre of diesel. The national oil major will open depots in 13 fishing jetties in Chandrabhaga, Astaranga, Balugaon, Bahabalpur, Kharinasi, Chudamani, Palura, Bhushandapur, Sonepur, Nairi, Sorana, Panchubisa and Talachua.
The MoU was signed by Ashok Mishraof IOCL and FISHFED managing director Subal Chandra Mohanty at the state secretariat here in the presence of Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy.
The Minister said that said about 70,000 fishermen will be benefitted by the initiative.
Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Secretary Bishnu Prasad Sethi said the subsidised diesel would encourage fishing trade in the state. The state produces 5.21 lakh metric tonnes of fish annually, he added.