Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE be pleased to state:-

(a)        the performance of the National Fisheries Development Board so far and the status of the Blue Revolution Plan; and

(b)        the steps taken by NFDB for the fishing industry in Karnataka and Kerala, in particular?

ANSWER

 THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

(SHRI TASLIMUDDIN)

(a)                The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) has embarked upon blue revolution through several programmes and schemes for development of fisheries and aqua culture in the country.  It has so far provided financial support to the extent of Rupees 68.82 crore for implementation of schemes such as (i) Intensive Aquaculture in ponds and tanks,  (ii) stocking of reservoirs, (iii) post harvest and marketing infrastructure, (iv) coastal aquaculture, (v) training, (vi) deep sea fishing etc.

(b)                NFDB, through its programmes, has released an amount of Rupees 8.89 crore and Rupees 3.2 crore for fisheries sector in the states of Karnataka and Kerala respectively. The major activities undertaken in these states are (i) establishment of domestic marketing infrastructure, (ii) seed production, (iii) freshwater aquaculture including prawn farming, (iv) ornamental fisheries, (v) reservoir development, (vi) training and demonstration etc.