The Karnataka Budget for 2012-13 has earmarked Rs 215 crore for fisheries sector in the State.
This includes funds for construction of houses for fishermen, to increase fish ling production, and for the second stage work of fisheries harbour in Udupi district.
Presenting the Budget on Wednesday, Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr D.V. Sadananda Gowda, said that Rs 24 crore will be provided during 2012-13 for construction of 4,000 houses for fishermen without houses.
As there is demand for diesel used by mechanised fishing boats, the quantity of tax-free diesel will be increased to 1.25 lakh kilo litres during 2012-13.
It may be mentioned here that this figure was 1 lakh kilo litres in the 2011-12 Budget. However, it was increased by 15,000 kilo litres during the year, taking the total to 1.15 lakh kilo litres during 2011-12.
Stating that there is demand for fish lings in the State, he said Rs 10 crore will be provided for upgrading fish production centres.
Of the 80 crore demand for fish lings in the State, only 40 crore is being produced now. There was an increase of 35 per cent in fish ling production during 2011-12.
Mr Gowda said that Rs 26 crore will be provided for the second stage of Hejmadi Kodi harbour in Udupi district during 2012-13. This requires a total investment of Rs 60 crore.
He said that Rs 4.5 crore will be provided for supply of life jackets costing Rs 1,500 each to 30,000 fishermen. Insulated boxes costing Rs 4,000 each will be supplied to 6,000 fisher women in the State, he said.
Mr Gowda said that an oceanarium of international standards will be constructed at KRS Brindavana and at Pilikula in Mangalore under public private partnership.