PANAJI
Just like mining and tourism have been the main drivers of economic activity fisheries too can contribute similarly to Goa's gross domestic product, Goa's Fisheries Minister Nilkanth Halarnkar has suggested and urged youth to come forward and explore self-employment opportunities in the sector.
“Goa has been a mining and tourism dependent State. Likewise, it can also be a fishing dependent State. Our government is willing to support but youth must come forward and start self-employment ventures through fishing,” Halarnkar said at an event to commemorate 'Fisheries Day'.
Union Minister of State for Fisheries L Murugan who also attended the event claimed that fish production in Goa had increased by 25% and revenue from fishing activity had also improved by almost 40%.
Murugan told the media that the Centre through his ministry has taken steps to improve fish production, export and also taken up infrastructure development projects in the sector.
"I congratulate the staff and department. The Centre has invested Rs. 20,000 crores under PMSSY for fisheries. We are planning a revised policy so that local fishermen can become Sagar Mitras," the Union minister said.
Goa has been sanctioned 38 'Sagar Mitras' he said.
Fishing is an important economic activity in Goa which has a 105-kilometer coastline and some over 1,000 mechanised boats operating off its shores.
In addition, canoes and smaller crafts powered by outboard motors in the hundreds are used by traditional fishermen to earn their livelihood in the State.
