The National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) is considering a slew of measures to enhance the quality of fish exports until they reach the consumer by applying innovative techniques and also to improve the living standards of families engaged in aquaculture, NFDB chief executive officer Dr MV Rao said here on Monday.

The Board has decided to invest `19,000 crore for various developmental activities in the present five-year plan period, he said. ‘’In this endeavor, it is planned to achieve an overall target of six per cent annual growth of fish production, two per cent in marine fisheries sector and eight per cent in inland fisheries sector during the 12th five year plan,” he added.

Talking about some of the recent activities of the NFDB, he said to facilitate  fisherwomen of East Godavari in efficient marketing and transport facilities a programme titled ‘East Godavari Maha Samakhya’ has been initiated. ‘’We have also provided fund for transport of dry fish to Bhimili fisherwomen, funded fishermen societies in Bidar for better marketing opportunities and also promoting cage culture in Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and Jharkhand,’’ he pointed out.

He added that 22 technology upgradation projects were taken up with the support of fishery colleges and other technical institutes. ‘’Skill development and capacity building programmes were conducted for fisherfolk, farmers and officials across the country,” he added.

Along with the coastal fisheries in the state, the Board has also decided to develop inland fisheries, he said. “The state has enormous potential to develop and nurture inland fisheries,” he said.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Hyderabad / by Express News Service – Hyderabad / October 22nd, 2013