Question : GROWTH OF AQUACULTURE

(a) whether gradual decline of Freshwater Fish Farmer`s Development Agencies (FFFDAs) and Brackish-water Farmer`s Development Agencies (BFDAs) has impacted the o.verall growth of aquaculture in the country;

(b) if so, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether there is an urgent need to enhance the overall growth of aquaculture in the country ; and

(d) if so, the steps taken by the Union Government to provide financial and technical assistance to the farmers to enhance the growth of aquaculture throughout the country?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE (DR.SANJEEV KUMAR BALYAN)

(a): No, Madam.

(b): Does not arise.

(c) & (d): The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture through a plan scheme provides financial assistance for development of inland fisheries and aquaculture to enhance the overall growth of fish production in the country. During the past three financial years of the ongoing 12ch Plan, an area of about 45,000 hectares has been developed for aquaculture with a central assistance of ?88.78 crore under the central plan scheme on Development of Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture.

Besides, the National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad also provides financial assistance for various production oriented schemes like construction/renovation of fish ponds, fish hatcheries, seed rearing units, cost of one time inputs etc.