Question : Fish Production

(a) whether specific measures are being taken by the Government to provide training and equipment for deep sea fishing for traditional fishermen to increase the fish production;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has assisted in upgrading fish landing centres with cold storage facilities, particularly in the State of Kerala to boost the fish production;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, whether the Government is willing to take specific steps to do so and if so, the details thereof?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR AGRICULTURE & FARMERS WELFARE
(SMT.KRISHNA RAJ)

(a) & (b) : Yes, Madam. The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DADF), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has introduced a new Sub-component namely “Assistance for Deep Sea Fishing” under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) on Blue Revolution Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries. Under this, the traditional fishermen and their societies / associations can avail financial assistance to the extent of Rs. 40 lakh per vessel for purchase of deep sea fishing vessel including equipments to increase fish production. The unit cost per vessel is Rs. 80 lakh, wherein the DADF provides 50 % of the Unit cost with a ceiling of Rs. 40 lakh as Central subsidy and the remaining cost of the vessel has to be borne by the respective State Government / beneficiary / financial institutions. Training programmes on tuna long lining, onboard handling and processing of fish with the financial assistance of DADF is also being imparted by the DADF through the organizations like Central Institute of Fisheries Nautical Engineering & Training (CIFNET) and Fishery Survey of India (FSI).

(c), (d) & (e) : Yes, Madam. The central financial assistance provided to the Government of Kerala for up-gradation, renovation and modernization of the existing fishing harbours/fish landing centres in the State. Details of the financial assistance provided to the State Government during the past three years through the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) for up-gradation, renovation and modernization of existing fishing harbours/fish landing centres is furnished at Annexure.

The CSS on Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries implemented by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries (DADF), Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare inter-alia provides financial assistance to the Coastal State Governments and Union Territories for Up-gradation/expansion/repair/renovation of the existing fishing harbours and fish landing centres and setting up of cold storage for fisheries.

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