Release Date – 12:10 AM, Tue – 22 November 22

Fish stocks imported from other states have declined for the first time since 2014 as new initiatives by the TRS government boost the fish farming industry.
Hyderabad: For the first time since Telangana was formed, the Ramnagar fish market is importing fewer fish stocks from other states, thanks to an increase in fish farming in the state.
Every day, the fish market sells about 70-100 tons, and on Sundays and holidays this figure can exceed 170-200 tons. Of these, 20-25%, especially marine fish and white shrimp stocks, come from Andhra Pradesh and other states.
However, the number of fish from AP, West Bengal and Odisha has decreased in the last three to four months. Fisheries Commissioner Lachiram Bhukya said there were many days when production was almost zero. Typically, during the off-season (July-October), stocks are imported from other states, but this year, arrivals have been significantly reduced, he said.
Telangana is the only state that has stockpiled fish fry of sufficient quality in all suitable water bodies by providing 100% grants, thereby boosting production in the state. Apart from that, thanks to Kaleshwaram, water is available in the water bodies throughout the year, he added.
impressive numbers
For this landlocked country, it is not easy to realize the production of 389,000 tons of aquatic products. Since the formation of Telangana, fish production has risen steadily from 268,000 tonnes in 2014-15 to 300,000 tonnes in 2019-20, a rise acknowledged by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its handbook released in November 19.
The blue revolution in Telangana has sparked massive growth in the fishing sector, in addition to securing employment for the state’s over 100,000 fishermen. Fish production increases from 198,000 tonnes in 2016-17 to 389,000 tonnes in 2021-22. Likewise, the fisheries sector’s contribution to the country’s GDP will increase from 0.3 percent in 2016-17 to 0.5 percent in 2021-22.
In terms of employment, while there were 4,002 fishing cooperatives with 250,000 members in 2016, the number of associations has increased to more than 5,000 with 350,000 members. In addition to job creation, state government initiatives have helped more than 100,000 people continue their traditional occupations.
In order to provide employment opportunities for the women’s group, 200 custom-built vehicles designed for the dual purpose of raw fish sales and ready-to-eat fish food were provided in the GHMC range and area. The State Government has also introduced a Group Accident Insurance Scheme from 2014-15 for the benefit of the fishing community. Incentives and support have led to increased fish and shrimp production over the years.
Efforts to increase fry production: Talasani
Livestock Minister T Srinivas Yadav said steps are being taken to increase fry production in the state to meet annual demand.
Speaking at a World Fisheries Day celebration here on Monday, he said 100 million fry had been produced at government centers this year. The government will fully support those who intend to establish fry production centers and build fish ponds.
The Minister announced that a wholesale fish market with all the facilities will be built in Koheda, which occupies an area of 10 acres. A special committee was formed to resolve disputes between different fishing associations and fishermen. He said the committee had resolved issues that had existed for years.