India announces schemes to increase fish production

The Indian government has announced various schemes with a target to increase the country's fish production to over 10 million tonnes by the end of the 11th Plan from the current 6.5 million tonnes.

The schemes include subsidies for reservoir development, regular stocking of seeds and modernisation of harbours. It has also cleared some new species for culturing.

According to National Fisheries Development Board chief executive officer, P. Krishnaiah, the government has announced 100 percent grant to States for reservoir development to increase fish production through regular stocking of seeds.

Local media said that currently reservoir production stands at 15 kilogrammes per hectare, and the intention is to increase that to at least 100 kg per hectare.

Krishnaiah said Rs40 crore has been released under the scheme so far.

The government has also decided to allow white shrimp, and sea bass which are in great demand worldwide, to be cultured.

In the case of white shrimp, currently two companies, Sarat Seafood and BMR Hatcheries, are permitted to do the trial run in a restricted environment in 250 acres in Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh.