(a) whether it is true that the Government has proposed to promote mariculture and open sea cage culture activity in all maritime States and Union territories;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has any estimation of the economic growth and job creation by promoting the said activities;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the details of the funds earmarked by the Government for promotion of mariculture and related activities?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE:
(SMT. KRISHNA RAJ)
(a) & (b): Yes, Madam. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) on Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries provides financial assistance to the maritime State Governments and Union Territories (UTs) for promotion of mariculture activities namely Open Sea Cage Culture, Seaweed Cultivation, Bivalve Culture and Pearl Culture.
(c) & (d): It is estimated that for a single open sea cage can earn an average profit of around Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh annually depending on the type of species cultured, generate (i) direct income and employment for around 2 to 5 beneficiaries and (ii) around 10 beneficiaries indirectly involved in fabrication of cage, installation and harvest and post harvest activities.
(e): Funds are allocated and released under the CSS based on the viable proposals submitted by the State Governments and UTs. During the past 3 financial years from 2014-15 to 2016-17, Central financial assistance to the tune of Rs.1062.72 lakh has been released to intended State Governments and UT namely Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Andaman & Nicobar Administration for establishment of a total of 670 Nos of open sea cages.
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