PANAJI
In a bid to promote aquaculture in the State, the Department of Fisheries has issued three notifications pertaining to mussel culture and oyster farming, ornamental fish and freshwater aquaculture farming.
The government while recognizing Goa as a tourist destination, has stated that a majority of the population consumes fish, and therefore there is a high demand for fish, as well as shell fish in the State. Hence, the Fisheries Departmenet is providing financial assistance to mussel culture and oyster farming.
Green Mussel, Perna Viridis, locally known as 'Xinanneo', has been found to be a major shell fish species under the group 'Bivalves', and is relished by the Goan populace. A single piece of this mussel, 40-60 mm in size with an average weight of 30-33 gm, costs around Rs 10 to 12 in the retail markets of Goa.
Under the scheme, financial assistance will be provided at 50 per cent of the actual cost limited to Rs 25,000 per unit for a maximum of two units (each of 4 x 4 metres) for setting up of units in estuarine waters. In open sea waters, 50 per cent subsidy of the actual cost limited to Rs 40,000 per unit, will be provided for two units (each of 6 x 6 metres).
In the case of financial assistance to ornamental fish cultivation, the government aims to generate employment in rural and urban households through mass production of ornamental fish as well as to create awareness about the scope of ornamental fish farming.
According to the scheme, financial assistance will be given to those setting up breeding units, rearing units, and rearing and breeding units in the State.
Through breeding, farmers are expected to breed ornamental fish and supply the fish to rearing units of a minimum of four to five species. Rearing units, on the other hand, are expected to grow the fish to a saleable size and supply fingerlings of a minimum of five to six species.
Financial assistance for breeding and rearing units will be 50 per cent of the actual cost limited to Rs 1,50,000, while those involved in both rearing and breeding units will be provided assistance of 50 per cent of the actual cost limited to Rs 2,50,000.
Freshwater aquaculture farm includes creating awareness about freshwater fish and prawn farming techniques, conducting eco-friendly farming in fresh water areas of Goa, providing training on fresh water fish and prawn farming techniques, generating employment in rural and urban households through freshwater fish culture techniques, and providing financial assistance for the setting up of freshwater fish and prawn farming units.
Financial assistance for construction and renovation of farms will be provided as subsidy i.e. 25 per cent subsidy of the cost of construction or renovation of farm limited to Rs 2 lakh per ha, limited to 2 ha.
Financial assistance for feed and seed will be 25 per cent of the subsidy on the cost of seed and feed limited to Rs 50,000 per ha, limited to 2 ha. On the purchase of equipment, financial assistance of 50 per cent of the cost limited to Rs 60,000 per ha. will be provided as subsidy.
