Speaking on the eve of the Indaqua 2009 exhibition, the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA)said that the in dustry should the production of brackis water species to 1 million tonnes by 2017.
G. Mohan Kumar, MPEDA Chairman, told The Hindu: "The authority proposes to implement mission mode programmes in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Orissa. Creation of 50500 ha land in Gujarat, 27500 ha in Maharashtra and 20,350 ha in Orissa for aquaculture is being targeted."
Mr. Kumar said this was expected to generate at least five million additional job opportunities in the country besides the increased export earning, which were projected at $6 billion.
"During the year 2007-08, the exports of marine products from the country stood at over 541,701 tonnes with a value of $1.9 billion. Shrimp continued to be the mainstay of seafood exports contributing more than 52 per cent in terms of value," he said.
The Hindu said the State government was presently surveying for wasteland where coastal aquaculture could be taken up.
Call for Boost to Aquaculture
INDIA - India's state governments have been urged to set aside more land for aquaculture enterprises because of teh tremendous employment opportunities they hold.
