Assam likely to implement six major fish production schemes

The Assam government today said it was mulling implementing six major fish production schemes during the current financial year.
"The government is planning to implement six major fish production schemes, covering 765 hectares of land during this financial year," an official release said.
In order to achieve self-sufficiency, the Assam government has put special emphasis on fish production in the state, it said.
"In 2015-16, towards modern hygienic fish market construction, the state government has earmarked Rs 10 crore," the statement said.
The schemes will include construction of new ponds covering 160 hectares of land, renovation of existing tanks for modern fish culture covering 100 hectares, 25 hectares of new pond construction through Women SHGs, reclamation of 240 hectares of potential derelict and low lying areas, besides renovation of community pond for fish culture.

In 2013-14, fish production increased to 2.67 lakh metric tonnes in the state, the release said.
It further said that in the last 14 years, various schemes have been implemented including the chief minister's Amar Pukhuri scheme covering 11,535 individual fisheries and 960 self help groups.
Also, 53,333 fishermen have been covered under accidental insurance scheme, it said.