New fisheries policy to improve aqua production in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYWADA: Andhra Pradesh Agriculture Minister P Pulla Rao today said that the government has brought the new fisheries policy with an aim to enhance aqua production in the state.

The new policy aims at increasing the aqua production in the state from Rs 22,000 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 35,000 by 2018-19, Rao said addressing farmers at a seminar on transforming AP as an aquaculture hub here organised by the state fisheries department.

The government, through its new fisheries policy, introduced many schemes for farmers and feed and seed manufacturers to promote their activity, he said.

The interest subsidy on loans for all farmers and feed and seed manufacturers has been introduced. Also, the power tariff for farmers has reduced from Rs 4.65 per unit to Rs 3.75 a unit, he said.

The government has liberalised the process of permission for construction of fish tanks by farmers, he said.

Rao also said that the government is contemplating to set up an 'Aqua park' and a fisheries university in West Godavari district.

An entrepreneur has came forward to provide Rs 300 crore financial assistance for setting up of a fisheries university on PPP model.

Meanwhile, the government has approved to fill 300 extension officers' posts in the fisheries department to support the farmers, the minister added.