To achieve the aim of $5 trillion economy and double farmers’ income by 2022, focus should be shifted to aquaculture, which has immense potential to provide adequate employment and generate more revenue, said Union Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries Minister Pratap Chandra Sarangi while inaugurating the 4th PAF Congress at Central Institute of Fresh Water Aquaculture (CIFA) here on Friday.
He said in a country like India, aquaculture can also meet the nutrition requirement of thousands of poor at a minimal cost and bring them out of malnutrition.
Sarangi said, “Pollution and climate change are major threats for aquaculture sector. We need to create awareness among people to stop the use of plastics and keep water bodies’ safe and pollution free, so that we will be able to get quality products for consumption and trade.”
The Minister urged the stakeholders for concerted efforts in making aquaculture profitable by strengthening value chain in the sector.
On the occasion, Sarangi released the Portable FRP Pabda Hatchery to the nation. He also felicitated 10 innovative farmers and entrepreneurs for their exemplary accomplishment in aquaculture.
ICAR, New Delhi Deputy Director General (Fishery Science) Dr JK Jena, OUAT Vice-Chancellor Dr PK Agrawal, ICAR-CIFA Director Dr BR Pillai, Odisha Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary R Raghu Prasad, PAF secretary Dr P Keshavanath and AoA secretary Dr P Routray also spoke.
The ICAR-CIFA in collaboration with Association of Aquaculturists, Bhubaneswar and Pillay Aquaculture Foundation, Chennai is holding the Congress on ‘Increasing aquaculture production in India through synergistic approach between multinational industries, domestic entrepreneurs and aquaculturists” from November 15, which will continue till 17.