MAPUSA
Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar has expressed concern over the lack of interest among Goan youth in the government-subsidised cage fish farming initiative. Despite substantial financial incentives, the younger generation remains hesitant to engage in this business venture.
“The central government is offering a good subsidy for cage fish farming, but for some reason, our youth are not getting attracted to the business. The lack of interest is very difficult to understand,” said Halarnkar.
Cage fish farming involves cultivating fish in net cages either in the open sea or in riverine environments.
River cages, constructed from galvanized iron and fibre netting, will be set up in selected rivers and rivulets across the state. The government provides fish farmers with access to designated water bodies for a period of five years, extendable up to ten years, to facilitate fish rearing.
“We are providing extensive facilities, yet not many young people are coming forward to take up cage fish farming in the state,” Halarnkar noted.
Addressing concerns regarding the fish ban period, Halarnkar affirmed that the state government has no plans to alter the existing two-month ban. “We need to give enough time for fish to breed. The two-month fish ban existing in the state is ideal and there is no need to tinker with it,” he stated.
Furthermore, Halarnkar highlighted the significant reduction in bull trawling and LED fishing incidents, attributing this success to the concerted efforts of the state government and the vigilant coastal police. “Besides the fisheries department, the coastal police are maintaining a strict vigil along the long coastline of the state,” he added.
The Fisheries Minister’s remarks underscore the government’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices and the promotion of cage fish farming as a viable economic opportunity, despite the current lack of enthusiasm among the youth.
