Cage Farming in Karnataka under Blue Revolution: Integrated Development & Management of Fisheries

Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) on Blue Revolution: Integrated Development & Management of Fisheries approved by Govt. in December 2015. Scheme provides financial assistance for: Open sea cage culture, Installation of cages⟋pens in reservoirs & other open water bodies.

Aquaculture Cage Systems

Details of CSS Scheme

  • Under CSS, unit cost of open sea cage is fixed at ₹ 5 lakh per cage & having min. diameter of 6 m & depth of 4 m in case of each circular cage & 96 cubic meter volume (6mx4mx4m) in case of each rectangular cage.
  • Unit cost for installation of cages⟋pens in reservoirs & other open water bodies is fixed at ₹ 3 lakh per cage including installation & inputs for first crop.
  • Govt. of Karnataka reported installation of 8 marine cages w⟋expenditure of ₹ 29.9 lakh for Seabass & Cobia culture & total of 102 cages in reservoir w⟋expenditure of ₹ 81 lakh.

Background on Fisheries Development in Karnataka

  • National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) , has sanctioned 500 brackish-water cages to Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) for installation in selected District of Karnataka.
  • Upgrade & expansion of fisheries harbour & landing centres is affected by reduction in Central assistance to States from 75% to 60% .
  • Karnataka has 8 fisheries harbour & 13 fish landing centers. Minister for fisheries & youth affairs planned to take up expansion of 3 harbours, submitted proposal to the Centre.
  • Along w⟋expansion of fisheries harbours, Karnataka fisheries department has undertaken modernization of fisheries landing centers at Karwar & Bhatkal w⟋budget of ₹ 5 cr. each.

Cage Fish Farming

  • Fisheries Department, which successfully pilot tested fish cage farming in backwaters of Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) is exploring similar exercise in Kabini, Harangi, Hemavati & Narayanapura dams.
  • Cage-based farming in floating cages, in reservoirs is new to state. Compared to other type of fish farming, this is cost-effective & increases inland fish production substantially.
  • At KRS, department w⟋Central govt. S 3 cr. assistance erected floating cages 5 × 4 × 6 metres & released 5,000 fingerlings. Department took up Pangasius variety. This variety is yet to gain acceptance. It is ready for harvest & expect to get 3,500 - 4,000 kg.
  • Success of this has led to department mulling live fish marketing in major towns & cities where fish consumption is high.

Exports of Marine Food

  • In 1st 9 months of this financial year, state has done well in fish exports. Exports going up by 10.
  • During fiscal 2013 - 14, marine exports from Karnataka stood at 1.02 lakh tonnes valued at around ₹ 1,200 cr.
  • In 2012 - 13, exports amounted to 85,000 tonnes value at ₹ 890 cr.

Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute

  • Established - 1947
  • Headquarter - Kochi, Kerala

National Fisheries Development Board

  • Established - 2006
  • Headquarter - Hyderabad
  • Objectives:
    • To provide focussed attention to fisheries & aquaculture
    • To achieve sustainable management & conservation of natural aquatic resources
    • To apply modern tools of research & development for optimizing production & productivity from fisheries.
    • To provide modern infrastructure mechanisms for effective fisheries management & optimum utilization
    • To train & empower women in fisheries sector & generate substantial employment
    • To enhance contribution of fish toward food & nutritional security

Examrace Team at Aug 23, 2021