With fishing providing livelihood for lakhs of families in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today said the state government will soon formulate a comprehensive Fishery Policy in order to accelerate growth in the sector.
Patnaik said this while inaugurating the National Workshop on Opportunities in Fishery Sector. He said Odisha had produced 4.67 lakh tonnes of fish last year, which was an increase by 13 per cent over the previous period.
Similarly, the seafood export growth rate was 26 per cent during the year 2014-15, which is a record so far. "The state government has drawn up a plan to enhance marine food exports to Rs 10,000 crore in next 5 years along with self sufficiency in fresh water fish production, conservation of aquatic resources and protection of genetic diversity," Patnaik said.
However, Patnaik said these goals could be achieved only through production of quality seeds, technological interventions, human resources development, training of fisher folk and other stake holders.
Patnaik said the state government had recognised vast scope for development of inland, brackish water and marine fisheries in the state, which is currently providing livelihood to more than 14 lakh fishermen.
Meanwhile, fisheries and animal resource development department has drawn up strategies for enhancing production and productivity for doubling the fish production in 5 years, Patnaik said adding that subsidy upto 50 per cent for pond development for pisciculture is made by the state government. The government is also providing interest subventions for long term and short term credit, he said.
Patnaik expressed happiness over 112 Junior Fisheries Technical Assistants getting their appointment letters today. 224 Excise Constables also received their appointment letters from the Chief Minister in the seminar.
After handing over the appointment letters to new recruits, Patnaik said that they will be joining the department at a time when the fisheries sector has bright prospects.
