‘Goa has Potential to become Fisheries hub of Country’: Giriraj Singh

New Delhi, 7 Feb (HS): Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Giriraj Singh said on Sunday that Goa has the potential to become the fisheries hub of the country.

“Goa has the potential to become the fisheries hub of the country. I have discussed this with the Chief Minister of Goa Dr Pramod Sawant and Fisheries Minister Filipe Nery Rodrigues of the state about a holistic investment of Rs 400 crore for the fisheries sector in the state. Out of this, Rs 41.47 crore has been already approved under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)”, said Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Giriraj Singh in Goa.

On the basis of the discussions with the State Government, it has been decided to develop 30 new landing centres for fisheries as well as for tourism purposes. Road connectivity from jetties and landing centres to the villages will also be ensured, said Giriraj Singh.

Since Goa is the main centre of tourism, Ornamental Fisheries can lead to very good employment and income growth. For this, about Rs 30 crore will be given for an aquarium with the formation of a cluster in Ornamental Fisheries. With the investment of Rs. 5 crore, 50 fish vending kiosks (especially for women) and retail fish markets will be developed in Goa.

Development of state of the art wholesale fish market with an investment of Rs 50 crores will be developed soon. Also, a marine hatchery will be constructed at a cost of 2.5 crores, which will provide quality seed, added Union Minister. Centre has also decided with the help of the Ministry of Shipping to develop a fishing harbour in ‘Vasco Bay’.

There are about 300 fishing boats and 1200 people directly connected in the said area, who have been facing a lot of difficulties for a long time. For the construction of a fishing harbour in ‘Vasco-Bay’, Union Ministry of Fisheries will talk to the Ministry of Shipping, the State Government and the Mormugao Port Trust on the said project soon, said Giriraj Singh.

The Minister further informed that Sea cage culture will be promoted in Goa. It will lead to an increase in export of fishes from the state. To be started with 1000 cages with the state’s fisheries department.

‘Sagar Mitra Scheme’ will be implemented in the villages of Goa for educating the local youth dependent on fishing and fisheries. Sea-weed culture and ornamental fish culture will be strengthened in the state of Goa.

There is also a lot of scope for inland fisheries in Goa, for which about Rs. 65 crores will be provided inland for Biofloc, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), and Reservoir Cage Culture. 30 Deep Sea Vessels sanctioned for Goa for which Rs. 32 crores have been allocated, informed the minister. And for the welfare of fishermen Central Government has increased Insurance Policy coverage from 2 lakh to 5 lakh rupees.

Besides the Fishing Sector, the Government is also providing a Disease Diagnosis Referral Lab for Livestock with the investment of Rs. 10 Crores in Goa, said Union Minister.

Filipe Nery Rodrigues, Minister for Fisheries, Government of Goa thanked the Centre for such a big project and said that this will really be useful in making a ‘Swayampurna Goa’.