Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jul 18: Speaking after inaugurating the three-day Fisheries Fair that went under way at the IMA Hall of Attavar here on Friday July 17, Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation chairman Ramachander Bykampady revealed that the state government is considering providing impetus to Gujarat model fishing in the state.

While the state is setting aside about Rs 360 crore for fishing activities annually, in Gujrat, this quantum of Rs 13,650 crore. In Gujarat, the fishermen conduct fishing based on satellite signals and are able to catch much more fish. The fishermen of Karnataka take about 13 hours to catch the same quantum of fish that their counterparts from Gujarat are able to catch in three hours, he explained.

Expressing his gratitude to the Chief Minister for helping the Corporation that was on the verge of bankruptcy to come out of the dire straits and sanctioning an additional grant of ten crore rupees towards its share capital for the present year, he divulged that the Corporation is planning to open kiosks equipped with freezers, which will be opened by the sides of the 'More for You' outlets in the city. The Corporation will directly buy fresh fish from the fishermen and sell them at prices that are less than market rates through these kiosks, he added. He called upon the fishermen to put to use advanced technologies in fishing activities to make the activity more profitable.

Various dignitaries like deputy director the fisheries department Suresh Kumar, K J Verghese of Kerala Seafood News and S Jeevan of Samurdra Shipyard were present.