Bhubaneswar, July 04: Union Agriculture Minister
Sharad Pawar on Saturday asked experts to thoroughly study the
possible impact of climate change on fisheries and suggest
appropriate remedial action to protect the sector from its
impact.
Inaugurating a two-day national conference of state
fisheries ministers here, Pawar pointed out that climate
change had a significant impact on agriculture, livestocks,
fisheries, forestry and general health of people.
"Measures to overcome climate change should be brought
out in a comprehensive manner to take appropriate remedial
action to protect fisheries from its impact," he said.
Stating that Centre would continue to support livelihood
promotion of traditional fishermen and small traders, Pawar
said corporate sector would also be encouraged to invest in
infrastructure in domestic marketing and commercial operation
though PPP model.
"Bulk of our fish is consumed fresh and near the source
of production. Therefore, setting up effective forward linkage
are extremely critical," Pawar said.
India being third largest producer of fish in the world
and holding second position in aquaculture, fisheries sector
had made significant contribution to nutritional security in
the country, he said, adding, Centre has targetted food fish
production at 10 million tons by 2012.
Bureau Report
First Published: Saturday, July 04, 2009, 19:45