August 13, 2010

India's inland fish production shows increase

Inland fish production has increased by over 450,000 tonnes in India.

Total inland fish production in the country was 4,659,582 tonnes in 2008-9 in comparison to 4,207,346 tonnes in 2007-8, an increase of 452,236 tonnes, Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution K V Thomas said in a written reply to Lok Sabha, the lower house.

The minister said maximum fish production was in West Bengal (1,323,123 tonnes) followed by Andhra Pradesh (961,618 tonnes), Bihar (300,650 tonnes) and Nagaland (235,973 tonnes).

While the production was nil in Lakshadweep, during the period it was a meagre 48 tonnes in Dadar & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu (81 tonnes) and Andaman & Nicobar (167 tonnes), Thomas added.

Through various schemes, the government is providing financial assistance in the form of subsidy to fish farmers for construction/renovation of ponds and tanks, he said.

Besides, assistance is provided for procurement of critical inputs like fish seeds, feeds and fertilisers and establishment of fish seed hatcheries and fish feedmills are encouraged, Thomas added.