(a) whether the Government has introduced any scheme to develop fresh water aquaculture;
(b) if so, the detaiis thereof alongwith the share of funding for such programmes between the Centre and States;and
(c) the steps taken 10 avoid inordinate delay in sanctioning the Central share to various States including Orissa?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD & PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION (PROF. K.V. THOMAS)
(a) & (b) Yes, Madam. The Government is implementing a Centrally Sponsored Scheme titled `Development of Inland Fisheries
and Aquaculture` in which development of freshwater aquaculture is one of the components. The items covered under this
component are construction of new ponds, reclamation/renovation of ponds/tank, Cost of inputs, Freshwater fish seed
hatchery. Fish feed units, Establishment of trout and freshwater prp.wn seed hatchery, provision of soil and water
testing kits, Setting up integrated units including hatcheries for ornamental fishes, Brood banks for ornamental
fishes, Ornamental /Fish seed certification, etc.
Financial assistance in the form of subsidies is provided to the beneficiaries through the State Governments to an extent
of 20 to 25 per cent of the cost of above activities subject to a cost ceiling for each activity. The Central Government
provides funds to the extent of 7f>% to the States under this scheme.
(c) Sanction of funAs under the Scheme to a State including Orissa is dependent upon satisfactory progress
of implementation of the Scheme and submission of Utilization Certificates in time. A sum of Rupees 1.90
crore under the Scheme was released to the State of Orissa during 2008-09 out of a total outlay of Rs.
13.60 crore for the Scheme. The Central share ir, respect of other States is at the Annexure.