New Delhi, Feb 25 (UNI) Taking into account a 62.5 per cent increase in GDP in the Indian fisheries sector as compared to a 32.3 per cent rise in the agriculture and allied sectors in the past five years, the Centre has urged the coastal states to harness the immense potential of inland and deep sea fisheries in the country.
''They should make use of the recently concluded marine fisheries census to prepare a perspective plan for the sector and formulate proposals for development of fisheries and welfare programmes for fishermen,'' said Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar.
Mr Pawar was addressing the State Fisheries Ministers' Conference called to share views on promoting the fisheries sector here yesterday.
There is also scope for diversification and composite farm practices for overall growth of the agricultural sector.
Giving a glimpse of the country's huge marine fisheries resources, the Minister said the country has a long coastline of 8118 km and equally large area under back waters to the tune of 2.02 million sq km besides exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and free access to international waters.
Similarly, India has 1.96 lakh km rivers and canals, over 50 lakh hectare reservoirs, ponds and lakes, 8 lakh hectare derelict water bodies and 12.4 lakh hectare brackish water area.
The Minister also asked the States to ensure proper implementation and monitoring of recent policy measures taken at central level and by different states themselves.
Besides State Fisheries Ministers, Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs, Shri Tasleemuddin, Secretary, (Dept of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries) and Mrs Charusheela Sohoni participated in the Conference.
Earlier in the day, at the II General Body Meeting of the National Fisheries Development Board, the Minister informed that the Board is in the process of obtaining Specific Pathogen Free(SPF) seed technology and establishment of multiplication centres throughout the country. The Minister invited proposals from States to meet their specific needs such as cold water fisheries, new types of aquaculture, value addition, marketing and disease control.
UNI
''They should make use of the recently concluded marine fisheries census to prepare a perspective plan for the sector and formulate proposals for development of fisheries and welfare programmes for fishermen,'' said Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar.
Mr Pawar was addressing the State Fisheries Ministers' Conference called to share views on promoting the fisheries sector here yesterday.
There is also scope for diversification and composite farm practices for overall growth of the agricultural sector.
Giving a glimpse of the country's huge marine fisheries resources, the Minister said the country has a long coastline of 8118 km and equally large area under back waters to the tune of 2.02 million sq km besides exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and free access to international waters.
Similarly, India has 1.96 lakh km rivers and canals, over 50 lakh hectare reservoirs, ponds and lakes, 8 lakh hectare derelict water bodies and 12.4 lakh hectare brackish water area.
The Minister also asked the States to ensure proper implementation and monitoring of recent policy measures taken at central level and by different states themselves.
Besides State Fisheries Ministers, Minister of State for Food and Consumer Affairs, Shri Tasleemuddin, Secretary, (Dept of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries) and Mrs Charusheela Sohoni participated in the Conference.
Earlier in the day, at the II General Body Meeting of the National Fisheries Development Board, the Minister informed that the Board is in the process of obtaining Specific Pathogen Free(SPF) seed technology and establishment of multiplication centres throughout the country. The Minister invited proposals from States to meet their specific needs such as cold water fisheries, new types of aquaculture, value addition, marketing and disease control.
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