Odisha fishermen to get subsidised disel from IOCL

Fishermen in Odisha's coastal region will get subsidised diesel to operate their fishing boats as per an agreement between the state government and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL).
An MoU in this regard was signed between fisheries department's FISHFED and IOCL. As per a provision of the MoU, the fishemen will get subsidised diesel for fishing trawlers and boats operated by them.
As per the terms of the MoU, the fishermen will get 50 paisa subsidy on a litre of diesel. IOCL will open depots in 13 fishing jetties in Chandrabhaga, Astaranga, Balugaon, Bahabalpur, Kharinasi, Chudamani, Palura, Bhushandapur, Sonepur, Nairi, Sorana, Panchubisa and Talachua.

Odisha's Agriculture and Fishing Minister Pradeep Maharathy, who was present in the MoU signing function, said about 70,000 fishermen will be benefitted by the initiative.
"Fishermen who used to buy diesel from outside and illegal ways will now have a IOCL depot nearby for procuring diesel for their trawlers," said Maharathy.
Department secretary B P Sethi said the subsidised disel would encourage fishing trade in the state.
He said the state produces 5.21 lakh metric ton of fish annually.