July 4, 2011

Indian state plans fish farming for poor

Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma Thursday (Jun 30) declared the start of an Israeli-supported venture to provide income to rural poor via fish farming.

"The Aquaculture Mission will be holistic so that farmers can learn the art and science of fish farming," Sangma said, while inaugurating a workshop on "Development of Inland Fisheries in Meghalaya: Problems and Prospects".

The mission envisages investment in the fishery sector and addresses the problems of poverty, unemployment and underemployment in the hill state.

"Experts from Israel have been invited to study and suggest measures to further improve fish farming by adopting modern techniques," Sangma said.

The Meghalaya Aquaculture Mission will be implemented from April 1, 2012, he said.