Kochi: Kerala should host an international summit on fishing with an eye on making the sector contribute to the steady development of the state, Union commerce and industry minister Suresh Prabhu said on Saturday.
Speaking at the opening of the multi-species aquaculture complex built by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) on Vallarpadam Island, Mr Prabhu promised to provide all support for such a summit that can feature experts.
The Rs 7.26-crore facility will produce disease-free breeds, featuring a hatchery for black tiger shrimp and six nurseries.
Stressing the importance of value-added products in the growth of the fishing sector, he said the country was aiming at a 60-billion-dollar turnover of agro-exports in the next five years. He exhorted fish farmers to rely majorly on sustainable technology, adding that MPEDA will offer help on this front.
"India's fishing sector is facing multiple problems, also owing to climate change. That gives fresh vitality to aquaculture using inland water-bodies," he added.
The MPEDA project will cater to the demand from aquaculture farmers in Kerala as well as the neighbouring states. Its highlight is an incubator for black tiger shrimp and six nurseries for mud crab and four varieties of finfishes namely Seabass, Cobia, Silver Pompano and GIFT (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia).Presenting the spices export award at another function, the minister said Kerala is ideally suited for business development with its high rates of literacy and social capital. He presented awards to the top spices exporters and cardamom growers.
Spices Board secretary M.K. Shanmuga Sundaram and other senior officials were present at the function.
