The upgrade and expansion of fisheries harbour and landing centres has been affected by the reduction in Central assistance to States from 75 per cent to 60 per cent. “Karnataka has eight fisheries harbour and 13 fish landing centres. We planned to take up expansion of three harbours, submitted the proposal to the Centre,” said K Abhayachandra Jain, Karnataka minister for fisheries and youth affairs.
“We are unable to complete the expansion and upgradation works due to want of funds. We have written to the Centre seeing additional funds,” he added.
Along with the expansion of fisheries harbours, the Karnataka fisheries department has also undertaken modernisation of fisheries landing centres at Karwar and Bhatkal with a budget of ₹5 crore each.
The Fisheries Department, which successfully pilot tested fish cage farming in the backwaters of the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) is now exploring a similar exercise in Kabini, Harangi, Hemavati and Narayanapura dams.
“The cage-based farming in floating cages, in reservoirs is new to the state. Compared to other type of fish farming, this is cost-effective and increases inland fish production substantially,” said
At KRS, the department with Central government’s 3 crore assistance erected floating cages 5x4x6 metres and released 5,000 fingerlings. “For trial, the department took up Pangasius variety. This variety is yet to gain acceptance. Now it is ready for harvest and we expect to get 3,500 – 4,000 kg,” said HS Veerappa Gowda, Karnataka Director of Fisheries Department.
The success of this has led to the department mulling live fish marketing in major towns and cities where fish consumption is high.
ExportsIn the first nine months of this financial year, the state has done well in fish exports. “We may see exports going up by 10 per cent,” said Gowda.
During fiscal 2013-14, marine exports from Karnataka stood at 1.02 lakh tonnes valued at around ₹1,200 crore. In 2012-13, exports amounted to 85,000 tonnes value at ₹890 crore.