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The state government today approved Odisha Fisheries Policy, 2015, with an objective to increase the productivity and production of fish from island, brackishwater and marine resources.
The policy was approved by the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The sector specific policy targets 7.15 lakh tonne of total fish production by the end of 2019-20 from present level of 4.13 lakh tonnes.
It is also projected to increase the inland fish production from 2.63 lakh tonnes at present to about 5.30 lakh tonnes in the next five years.
The freshwater fish productivity is aimed to be increased from 2.13 tonnes per hectare to 3.5 tonnes per hectare through extensive farming practices while productivity will be enhanced in semi-intensive and intensive systems to five tonnes and 10 tonnes per hectare respectively.
As many as 15,000 hectares of new ponds and tanks will be developed for freshwater aquaculture in 30 districts by 2020 which will create an additional direct employment for 60,000 persons.
