KOCHI: In an effort to make the state self-sufficient in fish farming and to make fish available here at cheaper rates, the state government has come up with a plan for model fish farms across the state. The model farms are envisaged as an experiment for innovative aquaculture, to try innovative technologies in developed by fisheries research institutions. The farms are being set up in around eight hectres of land in the districts.
The state government has allotted `5 crore for the project and it is now under the consideration of the Planning Department.
These model farms will be built in Ayiramthengu (Kollam), Njarakkal (Ernakulam), Poyya (Thrissur) and Eranholi (Kannur).
“The model fish farms will demonstrate the new technology in aquaculture for fish farmers across the state. These are being formed to promote aquaculture in the state.
“Farmers can visit the farms to study the latest technologies in the field. As of now, there is no such facility available in the state. Depending on the economic feasibility, farmers can replicate the innovative aquaculture practices at their farms to enhance productivity,” Fisheries Minister K Babu has said.
He added that the state government aims to exploit all possibilities of fish farming in the state so as to increase production and make fish available to the public at low prices.
The project will be implemented by the Agency for Development of Aquaculture, Kerala (ADAK).
The demonstration farming will be conducted at government farms operated by ADAK and on private farms taken on lease.