February 6, 2009
India allocates US$153.9 million to develop fishery sector
The Indian government on Thursday (Feb 5) decided to allot US$153.9 million to develop marine fisheries and infrastructure in the Eleventh Five Year Plan from 2007 to 2012.
Home Minister P Chidambaram said the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the proposal of the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries for continuation of the centrally sponsored scheme on development of marine fisheries, infrastructure and post harvest operations.
CCEA said under the scheme, funds would be utilised to empower traditional fishermen through motorisation of their craft, assist small scale mechanised sector by subsidising excise duty on fuel and improve safety of fishers in sea.
CCEA said infrastructure will also be developed under the scheme by establishing 10 new fishing harbours, 30 fish landing centres and repairing and renovating the existing 15 fishing harbours and fish landing centres.
The fund will also improve post harvest components as well as setting up more central fish markets, fish retail outlets, cold storage and transportation facilities.
