Fisheries is a growth sector. Industry associations and farmers should work hand in hand. Future preparation should be done looking at the demand of domestic consumers and production should be increased, said ARD, Fishery and Agriculture Department Secretary Bishnupada Sethi at a National Fisheries and Food Summit on “Innovation, Infrastructure and Sustainability in Fisheries and Seafood Summit Business in India organised by the ASSOCHAM and the Utkal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UCCI) here on Saturday.
Sethi said an International Fish University would be set up soon in the State. Besides, to provide fresh and hygienic fish to the city denizens 26 more Chilika Fresh outlets would come up in Bhubaneswar. An exclusive export-oriented unit worth Rs 500 crore in PPP mode is slated to come up at Deras on the city outskirts.
To give a boost to the fishing sector efforts are being to ensure that seafood exporters take part in national and international exhibitions. To promote fishing tourism facilities have been developed at Astaranga coast and adventure tourism sector, like for anglers has a bright future in the State. land has been identified in Khordha and Ganjam districts for leasing to private parties for fish farming. Also 140 big reservoirs in the State have been identified to be leased to the interested parties, he said.
He informed that Paradip would be a major hub for fish exports and fishing ports and harbours can be developed by entrepreneurs in the PPP mode in the State. A feed plant is a necessity keeping in view the growing domestic demand. Odisha was the first State to introduce seed subsidy. . Technology is important to increase production so the State Government is tying up with an international consultancy to provide knowhow. Infrastructure is being given a boost to prop up the sector.
However, Odisha fishery sector is contrasting and still unregulated. There is underutilisation of resources. There is a problem in supply chain and virtually a cold chain does not exist. There is gross shortage of refrigerated vans. While there is over fishing in Chilika lake, there is no deep sea fishing and mesh nets are still being used. But sustainability of the fishing sector is important, Sethi said.
UCCI president Ramesh Mahapatra said 14 million people are directly or indirectly employed by the fishing sector. While the per capita consumption of fish is nine kg in the country, it is 11 kg in Odisha, which is very low compared to other countries.
UCCI director general Rajen Padhi said fisheries is one of the most important sectors. It not only employs lot of people, it contributes to the GDP and provides food security. Fisheries should be sustainable for at least 30 to 40 years. UCCI secretary Prasant Sathpathy offered a vote of thanks.