The State government is committed to promoting ornamental fish farming, said Minister for Fisheries and Registration S. Sarma. He was speaking after inaugurating the Kottayam Public Aquarium here on Tuesday.
The Minister highlighted on the efforts made by the government in creating favourable conditions for the growth of the sector. “The State is regarded as the export hub of ornamental fishes in the country. This has been made possible by the various progressive measures adopted by the government. Chaired by the Chief Minister himself, the Kerala Aqua Ventures International Limited (KAVIL) in Kadungalloor, near Aluva, which has been formed with public-private participation, has been exporting ornamental fishes to Japan, Italy and France on a weekly basis. Moreover, the Legislative Assembly had recently approved the proposal for setting up a branch KAVIL in the United States of America (USA),” he said.
“The government will also launch a scheme that would provide a subsidy of Rs.80,000 each to Kudumbasree units, having five-members each, that are involved in ornamental fish farming. This would ensure a monthly family income of around Rs.7,000. The initiative will be a joint venture of the Central and State governments. As a result, employment opportunities are being created in addition to ensuring financial stability for families. Such projects would ultimately lead to the economic progress of the State,” pointed out Mr. Sarma.
Presiding over the function V.N. Vasavan, MLA, said: “The government has introduced various welfare measures for those employed in the sector. The University for Fisheries and Ocean Studies will promote research work in the field. Moreover, the recently-announced budget augers well for the future of the sector,” he said.
The Kottayam Public Aquarium is a joint venture of the Kerala State Cooperative Federation for Fisheries Development Limited (Matsyafed) and the Kottayam municipality.
District panchayat president Radha V. Nair inaugurated the aquarium mart during the occasion.
Kottayam municipal chairman Sunny Kalloor handed over the key of the aquarium complex to Matsyafed managing director P. Kesavan Nair.
Matsyafed director board member K.K. Rameshan welcomed the gathering during the occasion.
