Odisha aims to raise annual fish production by over 1.24 lakh tonnes

Bhubaneswar: Boosted by cage culture fishery, the annual fish production of Odisha can increase by over 1.24 lakh tonnes, said Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today during the signing of an MoU with entrepreneurs for cage culture fishery in Hirakud reservoir.

“Cage culture can increase the annual fish production of the State by over 1.24 lakh tonnes, achieving self-sufficiency in meeting the demand. It will also promote entrepreneurship and create job opportunities. The royalty generated from lease of the reservoirs will immensely benefit the Primary Fishery Cooperative Societies also,” the Chief Minister said.

The State Government provides financial assistance up to Rs 50 lakh for various commercial agri-enterprises, including cage culture fisheries, said Patnaik.

The CM today also launched 15 online services of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department under the 5T initiatives. The online applications will provide a number of useful services to fishers and farmers including registration of fishing boats and licenses, registration of brackish water farms and avail subsidy for setting up of new livestock and fishery units.