Rajasthan Govt. needs to do more for fishing industry, say officials
Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Jaipur, Nov 21 (ANI): Key officials of the Rajasthan Fish Farmers Association (RFFA) have appealed to the state Government to cooperate and change rules for better business returns.

"If the government gives some attention and change certain rules and provides some cooperation, we can beat many states in per hectare production of fish," said Devendra Singh, President of Rajasthan Fish Farmer's Association.

The main varieties of fishes cultivated in Rajasthan are 'Katala', 'Mrigal' and 'Rohu' and they are commonly found in  fish farming areas like Banswara, Bhilwara, Dungarpur, Jhalawar and Jaipur.

The Fish Industry in Rajasthan has picked up during the last decade, and around 20,000 people are directly or indirectly employed in the trade.

The people engaged in the rearing and trading of fish say that with government help the fish production could increase considerably.

The Gath Gate Fish Market in Rajasthan capital Jaipur is a popular place with fish buyers. Every customer here is fond of Rajasthani fish in spite of the availability of other varieties imported from coastal states like Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat.

"I have purchased Katala. It is tastier than the sea fish. These fish have a different taste. These are bred in Rajasthan. It is more popular in the market," said Mohammad Abid, a buyer.

The Kanota Dam, which is located on the outskirts of Jaipur, broke the record of the highest per hectare fish yield of around five tons that was achieved by Andhra Pradesh.

The Rajasthan Fish Farmers Association estimates that fish worth over 80 crore rupees was harvested in 2006-07 from small and medium sized dams and water bodies.

According to Association, this figure would swell to 100 crore rupees in fiscal 2007-08.

Rajasthan has the largest number of dams and other artificial water bodies in the country. Approximately 1400 of them were built during the rule of the British. (ANI)
- AY