Govt to launch pilot scheme to promote ornamental fishery

The government will launch a pilot scheme for promoting ornamental fisheries sector with an outlay of Rs 61.89 crore to meet rising demand in domestic and export markets.
It is a sub-sector of the fisheries sector dealing with breeding and rearing of coloured fish of both freshwater and marine water.
In India it is small but vibrant and there is a potential for tremendous growth. About 400 species of marine ornamental fishes and 375 freshwater ornamental varieties are available in various parts of the country.
The Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries has envisaged a programme to unlock the potential of country's ornamental fisheries sector.

The project will be implemented in eight states -- Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the Agriculture Ministry said in a statement.
The pilot project will focus on creating an enabling environment for a sustainable and holistic development of ornamental fisheries for the socio-economic development of the people involved in this activity as well as for exports.

The thrust areas have been identified for enhancing ornamental fisheries production through cluster-based farming and conservation of natural resources, both inland and marine, through habitat restoration, the statement said.
The major objectives are: (i) to promote ornamental fish culture with cluster-based approach (ii) to augment ornamental fisheries trade and export earnings (iii) to create employment opportunities for the rural & periurban population and (iv) use of modern technology and innovation to make ornamental fisheries a thriving activity.

The pilot project on ornamental fisheries shall be implemented by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) through the Fisheries Departments of States/UTs.
The implementation of pilot project will require a minimum time frame of one year.
The government said that ornamental fisheries generate livelihood and income for the rural and periurban population, especially women and unemployed youth as part-time activities.
"The low production cost and high returns within a short span of time and the ever growing demand, both in domestic and international markets, etc are the major attractions," the statement said.