1 lakh tonnes of fish production in 2012-13

Chandigarh, September 5, 2012:The Punjab may register over 1 lakh tonnes of fish production during the current season of 2012-13, which would be more than 8,000 tonnes from the fixed target of 93,000 tonnes.

Disclosing this here today, Gulzar Singh Ranike, Minister for Animal Husbandry, Fish Farming and Dairy Development said that as per the estimated production, the state may cross 1 lakh tonnes of fish production, which would be a record production in the country. He said that it would be the result of facilities and incentives extended to the fish farmers by the SAD-BJP Government.

Divulging the details regarding fish farming, Ranike said that there were more than 65.000 people, who were earning their livelihood directly or indirectly through the profession of fish farming. He said that by producing 6,560 kilograms of fish per acre, Punjab has become no. 1 state in fish farming besides playing a significant role in diversification.

Ranike said that Punjab Government has reserved Rs. 10 crore for the development of fish farming in the state, which would be spent on the modernization and maintenance of village ponds besides providing variety of fishes to the farmers on subsidized rates. He also said that Punjab Government has also chalked out a strategy to construct new ponds especially for fish farming at Bathinda, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Moga.