Question : LICENSE FOR AQUACULTURE

(a) whether licensing system for aquaculture farmers and registration with registering with the Coastal Aqua Culture Authority mandatory;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has issued any directive to exporters not to buy aquaculture products, particularly prawns , from those who have not registered;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government has studied the problems being faced by aquaculture farmers, in the country, including Andhra Pradesh; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the remedial measures taken or proposed to be taken in this regard?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)

(a) & (b) No licensing is required to undertake aquaculture in coastal farms. However, under the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005, it is mandatory for all persons carrying out aquaculture in coastal areas within two kilometers from the High Tide Line to register their farms with the Coastal Aquaculture Authority.

(c) Yes Madam.

(d) Ministry of Commerce & Industry (Department of Commerce) have issued a notification on 28th October, 2009 under the Export of Fresh, Frozen and Processed Fishery Products, (Quality Control, Inspection and Monitoring) Rules, 1995 whereby aquaculture products shall be procured only from farms registered with Coastal Aquaculture Authority/designated authorities and the processed products shall bear the registration number allotted by Coastal Aquaculture Authority/designated authorities to the farms from which the aquaculture products are procured.

(e) No Madam.

(f) Does not arise.