OREANDA-NEWS. Union Agriculture Minister, Shri Radha Mohan Singh stressed upon the need for encouraging public private partnership to promote fisheries and aquaculture in the country.

Addressing a Seminar on Fisheries organized by Central Institute of Fisheries Education, (Mumbai) at Muzaffarpur (Bihar) today, he said a great awareness has been created in fisheries sector, however, there is a need for adopting scientific attitude in this regard. He called upon the farmers to implement new techniques suggested by the scientists so that the fish production may touch newer heights.

Making a mention of ornamental fish, he highlighted the huge potential of increasing its production in view of its increasing demand in domestic and foreign markets. India’s contribution in world market is merely 1% despite prevalence of more than 325 breeds of ornamental fish in the country, he added. Shri Singh said that fisheries can be made a source of self-employment by imparting training to women in this sector. The country’s total fish production stands at nearly 10 million tonnes and it is second largest after China, he added.

Shri Singh said that per capita availability of fish, which is presently 9.2 kg, needs to be increased. He stressed upon giving more attention to inland aquaculture, which has a great role to play in fish production.

Shri Radha Mohan Singh called upon the participants to realize the vision of blue revolution of our Prime Minister by increasing fish production through adoption of new techniques and technologies.