whether the Government has set up National Fishery Development Board (NFDB) in the country;
(b) if so, the objectives and functions of the Board;
(c) whether fixation of responsibilities of the Board is yet to be made by the Government;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to make the NFDB fruitful for fishery sector and fish production?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
(SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)
(a) & (b) : Yes Madam. The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DADF), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has set up the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) with its head office at Hyderabad with the following main objectives and functions:
(i) to enhance fish production and productivity,
(ii) to improve the required fisheries infrastructure facilities,
(iii) to utilize the untapped potential in fisheries and aquaculture in the country
(iv) to bring activities relating to fisheries and aquaculture into focused attention and professional management,
(v) to achieve sustainable management and conservation of natural aquatic resources including the fish stocks,
(vi) to apply modern tools of research and development including biotechnology for optimizing production and productivity from fisheries,
(vii) to generate substantial employment,
(viii) to train and empower women in fisheries sector,
(ix) to enhance contribution of fish towards food and nutritional security
(c) : No Madam.
(d) : Does not arise.
(e) : NFDB has been made the implementing agency to implement the Central Plan Scheme on “Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries” as a focal point. NFDB has also been made responsible for monitoring, evaluation and review of the proposals/projects approved under the Blue Revolution scheme with a view to realize the objectives of the scheme.
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