Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS/HB)
Udupi, Nov 14: "The proposal of converting Mangaluru College of Fisheries into university is with the government. It is under discussion in the cabinet meeting. I am confident that it will implemented soon. In addition, in order to give more stress to the fishing in the state, decision is taken to start fisheries colleges at selected places in Karnataka. The plan for the same is also ready," said fisheries minister Kota Srinivas Poojary.
Poojary was speaking after inaugurating the workshop on Panjara fish cultivation information at Moodkudru on Friday, November 13. The minister also released 'Kadal App' jointly designed by coastal protection force and fisheries department. The main aim of the workshop was to educate the youth of coastal region of getting self-employment through fish cultivation.
Explaining about the Kadal App, minister Poojary said, "This app will help in tracking the fishermen and the movement of the fishing boats in deep sea. It will also help in responding immediately in case of any emergency.
"Karnataka is in the fourth position in India in sea fishing. In the next three years, with the effort of government and fisheries department, we aim to reach the top spot in the country.
"A small country like Singapore exports 40 to 50 million tonnes of decorative fish. Compared to Singapore, India has not even reached 10%. If we consider the geographical limits of sea shore of Uttara Kannada, we lag behind very much in the fishing system. So this industry needs to be energised. There is a project to establish new aquarium for Uttara Kannada along with the projects of union government and state government.
"In order to further widen the fishing business, agreement is reached between fisheries and railway department. Karnataka is in ninth spot in the country in inland fishing. Coronavirus pandemic did not have much impact on fish and agriculture.
"How to develop fish cultivation in Padukudru? How to provide self-employment through this to the youth without causing financial losses to them? What is the cost? If these details are gathered, then we can concentrate on loan facility through DCC bank and Lead bank and also providing insurance in case of disaster.
"Those who are participating in this workshop should make good use of it. This programme is organized with the intention of resolving the issue without coming under any anxiety,” he said.
Joint director of fisheries department Tippeswamy, deputy director Ganesh K, deputy director of Mangaluru Parshwanath, Mangaluru FRI Pratibha Rohith, Kallianpur gram panchayat PDO Yogitha, former member of gram panchayat Vishu Kumar and lecturer of Manipal MIT Prof Mahohara Pai were present.
Coast guard police superintendent Chethan R did the introductory speech. City municipality member Vijaya Kodavoor welcomed the gathering.