Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry L Murugan on Sunday said sea-weed culture was being promoted across the country in a big way and steps were being taken to identify places in the country where such culture units can be set up.
Speaking to media persons after visiting National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) here to review its activities, he said sea-weed culture and cage aqua-culture were the new age techniques that the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) was actively promoting for empowerment of fishermen, more so women.
“There is a great demand for sea-weed which has medicinal properties in India and abroad. Sea-weed cultivation helps in empowerment of fishing community,” he said. A sea-weed park was coming up in Tamil Nadu, and more such parks will be set up across the country, he added.
The Central government was working on strategies to drastically increase earnings from fishing. With an eye on boosting fishing activities, the government, under Aatma Nirbhar Bharat, has allocated Rs.20,000 crore for developing landing centres, fishing harbours, processing units and cold storages, Murugan said.
While encouraging new age fishing techniques, the government was supporting inland fishing and also keen on increasing export of fish through various projects proposed under PMMSY , he said.
Murugan said every fisherman would be given the benefit of kisan credit card soon. The standard operating procedures were being prepared and proposals were in advance consideration of the Agriculture Ministry. He further said the foundation stone will be laid soon for five fishing harbors with international standards, as announced in the annual budget 2021-22, proposed at places including Kochi, Chennai, Visakhapatnam and Paradeep.
“India is working on using drones for transportation, be it for delivery of goods at home or assistance during emergencies or monitoring law and order. Soon drones will be deployed for all such needs. Drones are being used in delivery of COVID-19 vaccines,” the minister said.
He launched promo jingles as part of the publicity to create awareness and popularise PMMSY scheme among fishermen, fish farmers and other stakeholders.
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