Team Herald
PANJIM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has proposed investment of Rs 400 crore towards revival of fisheries sector in Goa, move that comes after Centre’s Rs 300 crore grants to make the State Atmanirbhar.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
Union Minister for Animal Husbandry, Dairy and Fisheries Giriraj Singh, on Sunday said that the Rs 400 crore proposal is aimed at making the coastal State as “Fishing Hub” in the country and the initial focus is laid on cage farming techniques spread across 75 sq kms.
He said that Goa has the potential to become the biggest fish exporter in the country.
“The Central government is in talks with the State for a holistic investment of Rs 400 crore for revival of fisheries sector and to promote Goa as a major fishing hub in the country. Goa has a huge potential of becoming a leading exporter of fish in the country. The Centre has already sanctioned Rs 41.47 crore to the State. Goa has a huge potential of being one of the leading exporters of fish. We need to promote Goa as a major fishing hub,” he said while addressing a press briefing at Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula, on Sunday.
The Centre is also exploring the possibility to introduce a world-class aquarium in Goa, which would be part of an international standard tourism complex.
Singh, since his arrival to Goa on February 5 held a series of meetings with Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, State Minister for Fisheries Filipe Neri Rodrigues and officials of the concerned government departments.
“Like Saudi Arabia, Goa can use its water resource as a major economic booster,” the union minister added.
Singh further informed that with the help of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) Goa will encourage sea cage culture with 1000 cages in the first phase.
He said that the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) through its study has recommended that upto 200 sq kms of sea cage culture can be done.
The CMFRI has said that upto 70 sq kms is sage for cage culture keeping the environment and tourism safe.
“Goa has a good length of seashore. It would be a new model for marine culture. Even we had no idea that the State has so much potential. We can use the mining pits for the cage culture. So there is capacity to install 30 cages. In the first phase, we will start with 1,000 cages,” he said adding, “The technique will help avoid fishing vessels in the Sea and even ensure good produce to fish farmers.”
“During the monsoon season, when there is a fishing ban, the State faces severe fish shortage. The introduction of cage culture will make the State self sufficient in the fish. It will also give a boost to fish exports from Goa,” he added.
Over the years, Goa should look for investment of Rs 10,000 crore in the cage culture, which will reduce dependency on deep sea fishing. The Union Minister also approved a state-of the-art fish market complex at SGPDA market.
Further, after a detailed discussion, the Centre and State has decided to develop 30 new landing centers for fishing as well as tourism purposes. “An investment of Rs 125 to 150 crore is what we are looking at,” he said.
Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant expressed his gratitude to the Union Minister for declaring Rs 400 crore investments in the fisheries sector of Goa.
In his tweet, Sawant said that there is tremendous potential for development of the fisheries sector in Goa.
“The Union Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided much needed impetus,” he posted.
State Fisheries Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues also lauded Centre’s support to promote Goa as a fishing hub in the country stating with all the efforts, the State will be self-sufficient in fish production along with export.
He also said that the process will be initiated to map the zones for cage culture.
