A team of MPEDA officials headed by its Chairperson Leena Nair gave a power-point presentation to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in Hyderabad recently.
The officials explained how fish, shrimp and crabs could be reared in the coastal belt in the State by using the latest technology available, which would give exports a boost.
Issues such as – improving infrastructure at the processing centres and preserving ecosystem through sustainable aquaculture also came up for discussion during the meeting.
Speaking over phone, Ms Nair told The Hindu that the Government of India would extend technological assistance to the State government through the Research and Development wing of the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture (RGCA) under the supervision of MPEDA.
“Plans are also afoot to improve farming of black tiger shrimp, vannamei and scampi, and develop aquaculture system in A.P,” she said.
“Mr Naidu has a vision on blue revolution in the State, and he has responded positively to our proposal. We presented the plans to raise new varieties of marine products such as shell fish, barramundi (seabass), gift tilapia and cobia - which are suitable for exports. The technology fabrication, feed and cages supply and necessary guidance to the farmers would be extended by the RGCA,” Ms Nair said.
