The National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad, is offering hefty subsidies, as high as 40 per cent, for innovative fisheries units and projects such as sea bass culture and vennami culture, and entrepreneurs should make full use of such schemes to promote sustainable fisheries in the country, according to Dr. P. Krishnaiah, the Chief Executive.
He was speaking at the inaugural session of a one-day interaction meet between the industry and fisheries research institutes – Innovations and Industry – organised here on Wednesday jointly by the NFDB and the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology, Kochi.
Research and industry
He said the NFDB wanted to promote innovative marine cultures such as sea bass culture in association with research institutes. He said the NFDB had taken up cage culture in association with the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) and 50 cages had been set up for the purpose. Incubations centres were also being set up with the help of different research institutes to promote food processing units.
“The NFDB wants to play the role of a facilitator and a link between the research institutes and the industry. That is why we have organised this meet,” he said.
Fishing harbours
Dr Krishnaiah said the state of hygiene in the fishing harbours in the country was quite deplorable and the Visakhapatnam fishing harbour was no exception. “Our marine exports to other countries, especially European countries, would be badly hit if we do not maintain our harbours well. We should keep the fact in mind and make the necessary efforts,” he said.
Dr B. Meenakumari, Deputy Director-General (Fisheries) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, said a healthy fisheries sector was necessary for the food security of the country and also for large-scale employment generation in the rural sector. Therefore, the importance of fisheries could not be overemphasised. She said the research institutes and the industry should work in tandem to achieve the desired results in the sector.
She later inaugurated an exhibition showcasing the technologies developed by the various fisheries research institutes in the country.
Mr V. Padmanabham, regional president of the Seafood Exporters' Association of India, said such interaction sessions would go a long way in improving the fisheries sector.
In response to the remarks made by Dr. Krishnaiah on the Vizag fishing harbour, he said the harbour was located on the land belonging to the Visakhapatnam port trust (VPT). The VPT was more interested in shifting the fishing harbour to Bheemunipatnam, 25 km from Vizag, and taking back the land for other uses than improving it at the present site. He was critical of the attitude of the VPT authorities. He, however, agreed with Dr. Krishnaiah that hygiene should be improved at all fishing harbours in the country, including Vizag.
Dr T.K. Srinivasa Gopal, Director of the CIFT, Kochi, welcomed the gathering and heads of various fisheries research institutes also spoke on the occasion.
New Courtesy: Businessline
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