New Delhi, Nov 15 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naiktoday called for an effective, permanent solution to disputeswith Pakistan and Sri Lanka relating to fishermen whilestressing on a global policy of security for them.
India, the world's second-largest fish producer, has morepotential to grow in the fishery sector, but that should bedone in a sustainable way and safeguarding environment, hesaid.
Addressing the 7th General Assembly of World Forum ofFisher Peoples, Naik said there are conflicts within SouthAsia as scores of Indian fishermen are jailed in Pakistan andSri Lanka, and Pakistani fishermen in Indian jails.
"This needs immediate attention to resolve the issue. Wemust strive towards effective, permanent solutions throughsustained dialogue," he said.
According to Naik, this issue should be resolvedseriously. In fact, there should be an international policy toensure security of fishermen fraternity and address differentproblems facing the sector, he suggested.
Highlighting the potential in the fishery sector, thegovernor said any scale-up in fish production should not bedone at the cost of environment, he added.
"Increasing commercialisation through industrial fishingis a matter of concern. I think we need a policy to restrainunnecessary exploitation of nature and natural resources,"said Naik.
The country's fish requirement is estimated to be 16 mt by2025 and there is scope to increase fish production from 11.41mt in 2016-17, he added.
India has an estimated fisheries potential of 4.41 mt frommarine resources and 15 mt from inland fishery resources, headded.
Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said thegovernment has launched 'Blue Revolution' and the NationalPolicy on Marine Fisheries to harness the potential in thefishery sector.
The measures being taken will empower fishermen and helpincrease their income, he added.
Earlier, talking about saving environment, the UP governorsaid the meeting is held at a time when the national capitalis struggling to find ways to fight pollution.
The pollution is caused by multiple factors, most of themcreated by humans. "Environment issue in Delhi is a challengeto everyone. Everyone is trying to solve the problem. Be itthe Centre or states, it is necessary to give relief to aamaadmi at the earliest," he told reporters on the sidelines.
Maharashtra and Kerala fishery ministers were present atthe event, besides senior officials of the NationalFishworkers Forum. PTI LUXARD.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.