(a) whether Assam imports fish from other States despite the fact that there is huge potential for fish farming in the State, and if so, the details thereof;
(b) the names of States from which Assam has imported fish during the last three years along with the quantum thereof; and
(c) whether the Government has formulated any special scheme for fish farming in the State and if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
(SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)
(a) and (b) Yes Madam. Assam imports fish from other states though the state having huge potential for fish farming in water resources such as Ponds/ Tanks, Beel /Oxbow lake Derelict water bodies/swamps/low-lying and Reservoirs. During the last three years the State of Assam has imported fish mainly from Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The quantum of fish imported during the last three years by Assam is as follows:
Year Fish imported from outside the state by Assam (In MT)
2013-14 15372
2014-15 12531
2015-16 14825
(c) Yes, Madam. The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has restructured the existing schemes of fisheries under the umbrella of Central Plan Scheme on “Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries”. The Blue Revolution Scheme, with its multi-dimensional activities, focuses mainly on increasing fisheries production and productivity from aquaculture and fisheries resources. Besides, the State Government is also implementing schemes for development of fisheries.