Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today asked his Andhra Pradesh counterpart N Chandrababu Naidu to sign a MoU to enter into partnership in the field of fish hatcheries, fish rearing and post harvest technology.
Badal made this request to Naidu when the latter called on him at his residence this evening, said an official release here.
Taking part in the deliberation, Badal apprised the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister that Punjab is one of the foremost states in the fisheries with highest per hectare fish production of 9,076 kg as against the national average of nearly 4,000 kg.
Badal told Naidu that Punjab had recently launched a pilot project of raising modern fish farms over an area of 600 acres which would serve both as a model as well as demonstration farm for prospective fish farmers.
Appreciating Andhra Pradesh as one of the most evolved states in fish production, Badal suggested Andhra Pradesh CM to depute a team of experts and progressive fish farmers who could visit Punjab and advise their farmers on the matter of fish hatcheries, fish rearing and post harvest technology.
Badal further said, "We should have a regular exchange of fish farmers in order to derive maximum benefits from the best practices being adopted by these two states."
He also requested Naidu to depute one or two retired fisheries experts or scientists to utilize their services for harnessing maximum potential from fisheries sector.
Naidu assured the Chief Minister of all possible help and support to Punjab for the adoption of best practices in fisheries for supplementing the income of fish farmers through replicating its 'successful model of fisheries' in the state.
He also sought transfer of technology and know-how from the Punjab government to develop dairy sector in Andhra Pradesh through the exchange of progressive dairy farmers and experts as Punjab was the leading state in the country for the advanced practices in dairying and breeding techniques.
Naidu categorically said that agriculture alone could not contribute much to the national GDP unless a push towards the overall development and growth of allied farming sector in terms of sheep rearing, piggery, apiary besides floriculture and horticulture is given.
Acceding to Naidu's request, Badal said he would soon send a delegation of progressive dairy farmers and experts to share their vast experience and expertise with the dairy farmers of Andhra Pradesh to give further fillip to milk production.
