KERALA PROJECT FOR FISH WEALTH
The State
fisheries department will introduce a mega project spanning three years, with the
objective of increasing the fish wealth of the state. The project, Matsya Samrudhi, will be
inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen
Chandy on 10tyh June,2012. State fisheries minister K Babu said that with its rich water resources, Kerala has immense potential in this field, but lack of guidance and unscientific practices have been reducing its prospects. The goal of the Matsya Samrudhi project is to ensure plentiful availability of fish through environment-friendly methods and increase job opportunities in the field.
"At the moment, Kerala produces just 1.5 tonne of fish and the project plans to increase the production up to 2.5 tonnes. For this, 12,000 hectare space will be identified and with the help of universities and research institutions, and through employing modern techniques fish farming will be rejuvenated in the state. Also mobile aqua clinics will be set up at each district and 700 local self-government bodies will be made involved in the scheme," minister said. Providing financial subsidies, instituting awards for best performing farmers and coordinators, publication of regular studies, free distribution of fish varieties, including prawn and pearl spot, are also part of the three year project.
"Virus attacks and changing climate patterns are the two main issues that fish farmers face. By providing high-quality fish varieties and farm insurance, the interest of the farmers will be protected to an extent. The government has already completed a study for starting freshwater fish farming, in the first phase of the programme. A special cell formed under the fisheries director will monitor the progress of the project in coordination with district level officials," K Babu said. Union minister K V Thomas, state ministers V K Ebrahim Kunju and food and civil supplies minister Anoop Jacob will participate in the inaugural ceremony on Sunday.
Prof.
John Kurakar
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