Bhubaneswar, May 11 (IANS): Odisha has achieved a record growth of around 13 percent in fish production during 2014-15, with total production of 4,67,076 tonnes against 4,13,889 tonnes in the previous fiscal, an official said on Monday.

Reviewing the progress of fish production, state chief secretary Gokul Chandra Pati directed officials to develop fishery clusters in the state and enhance growth to 20 percent in the coming year.

Pati said 20 percent growth can be achieved through adoption of appropriate technology, technical assistance to fish farmers and bringing more areas under fish cultivation.

He advised the department to instruct all district fishery officers to follow up on new fishery projects and ensure their successful operation.

The department was asked to promote 16 fishing clusters in Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsingpur, Kendrapara and Bhadrak districts.

Fisheries and Animal Resource Development secretary Bishnupada Sethi said an additional area of 4,000 hectares was brought under fish cultivation in 2014-15, while sea food export brought Rs.2,300 crore during the financial year.