THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)
(a): The annual production of fish during the years 1996-97 to 1998-99 and upto December, 1999 are as follows:
Annual Production of Fish ( In lakh Tonnes)
1996-97 5.90
1997-98 5.80
1998-99 5.20
1999-2000 (from April to Dec., 99) 3.81
(b) & (c): Government of Maharashtra has taken steps to stock fingerlings/fish seed as per optimum requirements in ponds/reservoirs to enhance inland fish production. The breeding grounds in inland sector are also being protected. In marine sector, the State is implementing Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1981 to ban fishing by mechanised fishing crafts during the monsoon season (Ist June, to 15th August or Narli Pornima whichever is earlier) to protect/conserve the marine fishery resources. The State Government is also implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme `Integrated Coastal Aquaculture` and `Development of Freshwater Aquaculture` with the objective of encouraging scientific fish farming which, inter alia, results in increased fish production capacity.
Government of Maharashtra proposes 3 cold storages and 3 ice factories for construction which will increase the cold storage capacity and marketing facility in the state.
