Centre planning to evolve policy for aquaculture growth

Hyderabad: Observing that potential resources for 'blue revolution' in the country should be fully exploited, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh today said the government is planning to evolve a policy for aquaculture growth.

"The underexploited potential resources of the country can usher in a 'blue revolution' or 'aquaplosion' by utilising the same. The resources are to be judiciously and rationally utilised for aquaculture. We are also planning to develop a policy for aquaculture growth in the country considering its vast potential," he said.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 33rd session of the Asia Pacific Fishery Commission of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations in Hyderabad.

Noting that sustainable growth of fisheries and aquaculture is possible only if the sector's socio-economic benefits accrue to a large social spectrum, he said the maxim for policy-makers should aim at ensuring the desired growth duly preserving the natural resource base and millions of livelihood.

While drawing up strategies for increasing fish production, he said the approach should be ecosystem based and environment friendly to ensure sustainability at large.

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Being a country in possession of rich and varied aquaculture resources, India would like to join other nations in the region to play a lead role in aquaculture and fisheries and its sustainable development and management, he said.

The meeting hosted by India was attended by 21-member countries of the Asia Pacific region.

PTI