Government all set to improve fisheries: Asnotikar

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Apr 9: “The state government has sanctioned Rs 65 crore for the development of Mangalore harbour,” said State Minister for Fisheries, Science, and Technology Anand Vasanth Asnotikar during a press conference organized at Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation at Hoigebazar on April 9, Friday. He also said that the government has sanctioned funds for the development of Malpe and Honnavar harbours and also plans to improve Gangolli and Alvekodi marine ports at the earliest possible.

 

 

He assured that the government will discuss the matter of establishing a fishing zone in the district corridor, adding that the marine policy is in need of being revised and that the government is responsible for providing security for the fishermen. Stressing that only fishing activities will be permitted in the fishing zone, the minister said that a fishing park will also be set up. Besides, KFDC outlets will be established in Sullia, Puttur, and Tumkur, he said. 

Speaking about loans for fishermen, he said that the cooperative bank has assured fishermen of loans at low rates of interest. In addition, the central government has released a sum of Rs 300 lakh for fishermen under the excise repayment scheme. As per the latest schemes implemented last year, poor fishermen can receive fishing equipment worth Rs 5000. The government has also sanctioned Rs 10 crore for fisherwomen under the Fisherwomen Self-dependence Scheme, he said.

Speaking about the Matsyashraya-4 project, which aimed at constructing houses worth Rs 40,000 each for homeless fishermen in Karnataka, the minister said that the government has already approved 5000 houses, out of which 2415 homes have been approved in the coastal districts of Karnataka.

The minister said that the state government is eager to promote Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC), taking in consideration the fact that fisheries is among the chief sources of nutritious food, job opportunities, foreign exchange, and state development. Expressing his appreciation of KFDC, the minister said that fish production in Karnataka during the fiscal year 2009 – 10 is worth Rs 850 crore, out of which fish worth Rs 300 crore has been exported. 

Veerappa Gowda, Prabhakar, K V Shetty, Gangadhar V Madikeri, Vasudev Boloor, and Ramachandra Baikampady, the president of KFDC, were also present during the press conference. 

Just before the press conference, Asnotikar inspected the current financial position and progress of KFDC. V K Shetty spoke about KFDC’s development plans. He also inspected the pre-processing unit, which will be inaugurated by the chief minister at the end of April and inaugurated a new aquarium model built by KFDC. After the press meet, the minister inspected the harbour.