Patna, Oct 26: India ranks as the fourth largest producer of fish in the world with the total foreign earnings from the fisheries sector reaching a level of Rs 5,815 crore during 2001-02. Bihar Chamber of Commerce (BCC) sources said here today that the country was the second largest producer of fresh water fish after China. Recognising the importance of inland fisheries in the overall production of fish, the Centre had been implementing a scheme 'development of freshwater acquaculture' through the Fish Farmers Development Agencies (FFDAS). These agencies provide a package of technical, financial and extension support to the fish farmers, the sources added.

A network of 429 FFDAS are functioning in the country presently, covering all potential districts of the country. Since the scheme's inception in 1973-74 till 2000-01, about 6 lakh hectares of water area had been brought under fish culture and 6.99? lakh fish farmers trained in improved acquaculture practices through FFDAS. Over 30,135 hectare of land has been brought under scientific fish culture and 25,729 fish farmers were trained in 2002-03. Bcc sources said the animal husbandry and Dairying Department under the Union Agriculture Ministry had been implementing a central sector scheme and centrally sponsored scheme since 1964 to provide infrastructure facilities for landing and berthing of traditional fishing craft and mechanised deep sea fishing vessels.

Bureau Report