The report was done by the task force which was constituted by the State Government to draft an action plan to boost fish production and aquaculture. The task force has submitted its report to the government last week. M N Kutty, task force chairman, informed that the report recommended the implementation of 69 projects in fresh water and brackishwater aquaculture.
According to the report there should be enhancement of inland fish production by bringing additional 10,000 hectare area of ponds and tanks under composite fish culture, 30,000 hectare area of paddy field under rice-fish culture, utilizing 5000 hectare abandoned low saline area for suitable fish culture, promoting culture and fattening to increase crab production and farming high valued marine fish like tuna, groupers, snappers, sea breams and Asian sea bass.
The report also suggested establishing fish feed plants for different species of fishes. The National Institute of Fisheries Administration and Management situated at Kadungalloor near Aluva, should be strengthened with appropriate programmes. There should be viable technologies for production selected finfish, crustaceans, molluscs and seaweeds. The report also recommends the restoration of mangroves through afforestation and conservation with the participation of local people.
It was advised that the Central Government should transfer centrally sponsored scheme to the State Government. There should be liberal subsidy policy should be adopted for the promotion of diversified aquaculture.
