Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) is planning to improve fresh water aquaculture in Telangana State.
As part it, an action plan has been prepared to develop water bodies and impart necessary training to aqua farmers, according to MPEDA Chairman K.S. Srinivas.
“We have a good number of water bodies in Telangana State. MPEDA in association with the local government is planning to give a boost to fresh water aquaculture in potential districts,” the Chairman told The Hindu .
MPEDA has conducted Aqua Aquaria - 2019 at Hyderabad in which more than 100 farmers from Telangana attended and exhibited their produce, he said.
The Chairman, along with other officials, met AP Fisheries Minister Mopidevi Venkataramana and discussed various projects of MPEDA which are in the pipeline in the State. “MPEDA is giving top priority to Andhra Pradesh, which stood top in seafood exports in the country. Still there is potential to increase seafood as well as cultured fish production in the State,” Mr. Srinivas said.
Own building
The Chairman said that MPEDA would construct a own building for its sub-regional office, located at Bhimavaram, which will also have a quality control lab.
“Very soon we will request Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy and submit the action plan for development of aquaculture and seafood production in the State. Bhoomi puja for construction of Bhimavaram office will be performed in a month,” said the MPEDA Chairman.
Role for women
At a meeting, Mr. Srinivas discussed the plans for development of cage culture, mud crab hatcheries and involvement of women in mud crab cultivation and other issues with MPEDA AP Joint Director Anil Kumar, Assistant Director Brahmeswara Rao and RGCA Assistant Project Manager Appala Naidu.
Mr. Srinivas met the government officials at the Secretariat and explained to them the development plans in Andhra Pradesh and sought the cooperation of the government.