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POLICY NOTE 2001-2002
FISHERIES DEPARTMENT
INTRODUCTION
The State of Tamilnadu with a coastal length of 1076 KMs. covers both East and West Coasts which constitutes about 15% of India’s total coastline. About 6.8 lakh marine fisher folk live in 591 coastal villages of 13 coastal Districts starting from Tiruvallur to Kanniyakumari District and they depend on the continental shelf of 41,412 Sq.KM. for their livelihood. Tamilnadu contributes 10% of India’s total marine fish production. By way of exporting marine products the State earns about Rs.1450.00 crore as foreign exchange which comprises 28.5% of India’s total marine products export value.
The Department of Fisheries was started in the State in 1907. It functions with the main objective of developing and conserving the fishery resources and ameliorating the socio-economic problems of fishermen population, who depend on fishing as their major means of livelihood.
FISHERY POLICY
The State policy aims at the overall development of fisheries and the welfare of fishermen community. The objectives of Fisheries Department are:-
1) to sustainable fish production through eco-friendly technologies
2) to integrate the Industry with the International markets
3) to usher in quality in life of the fishermen
4) to increase foreign exchange earnings
5) to provide employment opportunities
6) to ensure viability of fishermen cooperatives
7) increasing the standard of living of the fisher folk with special emphasis on women
The Policy and the Schemes implemented by the Fisheries Department are detailed below.
MARINE FISHERIES
1. Marine Fisheries Policy
At present there are 591 marine fishing villages, with a population of about 6.80 lakh, out of which about 2.7 lakh marine fishermen are actively engaged in fishing. At present about 8000 mechanised fishing crafts and about 41,700 traditional crafts are engaged in marine fishing. The inshore fishery resources of Tamilnadu coast have been over exploited. Our marine fisheries policy, therefore, aims at conservation of fishing grounds and their exploitation on a sustainable basis.
2. Motorisation of traditional crafts
This scheme extends assistance to fishermen in motorisation of traditional crafts by installation of inboard engines or outboard motors on vallams and catamarams. From 1987-88 onwards the Government of India is also contributing their equal share. Under this scheme, 50% cost of engine is given as subsidy limited to a ceiling of Rs.12,000/- for inboard engines or Rs.10,000/- for outboard motors. The balance 50% cost is to be borne by the beneficiary. From 1987-88 to 2000-2001 13,925 such engines had been distributed to the traditional fishermen. The traditional fishermen are also given a subsidy of Rs.6,000/- per individual for the purchase of fishing net under the scheme. So far, 2,866 fishing gears had been distributed to the fishermen. During this year, it is proposed to distribute 1500 engines and 908 nets to the traditional fishermen at a total cost of Rs.234.50 lakh.
1. 3. Relief to Tamilnadu fishermen
During adverse weather conditions, mechanised fishing boats and crew get drifted and get stranded in Srilankan waters and they are held under the custody of SriLankan Government. In order to alleviate the sufferings of marine fishermen families of those held under SriLankan custody, the Government in 1998-99 initiated a scheme to look after the families of these fishermen. The family of the fisherman is given Rs.50/- per day till the fisherman returns home. So far 56 fishermen families were benefitted under this scheme. This scheme will be continued during 2001-2002.
1.
4. Problems faced by the fishermen of Palk Bay
The fishermen of Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai and Ramanathapuram Districts (including Rameswaram) in the Palk Bay area are going for fishing in the Indian territorial waters. On certain occasions they happen to cross the IBL unknowingly and at times due to engine troubles and adverse weather conditions they are drifted to SriLankan waters. Such Indian fishermen crossing the IBL are subjected to attack by the SriLankan Navy All such incidents are brought to the notice of the Government of India to take up the matter with the Govt. of SriLanka. The Government of Tamilnadu sanctions a sum of Rs.1.00 lakh as immediate relief from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund to the families of deceased fishermen. 20 fishermen families were given relief under this scheme as on 31.3.2001 and disbursement of relief amount to three more fishermen families is under the consideration of the Government.
1. 5. Installation of floating buoys with beacon lights
There have been growing instances of our fishermen being fired upon by the SriLankan Navy for inadvertently crossing the invisible International Boundary Line in the sea. It is proposed to install floating buoys with beacon lights for day and night visibility in the sea - one at every four nautical miles - to enable the fishermen to remain within our fishing zone.
1. 6. Repatriation of foreign fishermen
A State level standing committee had been constituted by the Government of Tamilnadu headed by the Secretary to Government, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department, Chennai as its Chairman. The Chairman is liaising with the agencies concerned such as Coast Guard, Customs, Intelligence Bureau, Coastal Security etc. for the early release and repatriation of foreign fishermen and vessels apprehended in Indian sea. As on 31.3.2001, 37 SriLankan fishermen are under custody in Tamilnadu awaiting clearance orders from Government of India for release and repatriation.
2. INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT
2. 1. Fishing Harbours and Landing Facilities
Mechanised boats conduct fishing operations from 362 fish landing centres all along the coastal line of the State. These crafts require safe anchorage facilities during adverse weather conditions to land their catches, filling of fuel etc. Besides, facilities are also required on the shore for preservation of the landings till they are despatched to the consuming centres. In future, the infrastructure will have to be maintained and operated in a self-sustainable manner.
2. 2. Rameswaram Fishing Harbour
For construction of a fishing harbour at Rameswaram, the State Government had forwarded a revised estimate at a total cost of Rs.53.86 crore for Government of India’s approval. After approval of the estimates by the Government of India, the following work will be taken up for execution.
Construction of wharf/Jetty and breakwaters
Auction hall
Sloping hard
Formation of road
Dredging and reclamation
Facilities like drinking water /Electricity / drainage / Office buildings, canteen etc.
2. 3. Development of Pazhayar Fishing Harbour – Stage II
It is under consideration by the Government of India for development of Pazhayar Fishing Harbour Stage II at a total cost of Rs.10.60 crore. After approval of the estimates by the Government of India, the following work will be taken up.
Dredging and reclamation
Quay and Jetty
Revetment
Traffic area and surfacing
Fish auction hall
Ancillary facility
Additional sub soil investigation etc.
2. 4. Construction of Fish Landing Centres
Administrative sanction had been accorded for construction of the following 10 fish landing centres in Tamilnadu at a total cost of Rs.13.23 crore. The work is in progress at Punnakayal. In other places, the work will be taken up after finalisation of the tenders.
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Veerapandiapattinam
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Punnakayal
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Pulicat
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Nagapattinam
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Sethubavachatram
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Arcottuthurai
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Mudasalodai
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Jagathapattinam
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Mandapam
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Soliyakudi
The following facilities will be provided in the fish landing centres.
1.Auction hall
2.Two Landing platforms
3. One toilet block
4. External water supply
5. Provision of electrification / lighting
6. Provision of protected water supply
7. Provision of inner road
8. Provision of RCC Wharf / jetty
3. INLAND FISHERIES
The Inland Fisheries policy will focus to maximising the fish production utilising inland water resources such as major reservoirs, major and minor irrigation tanks, village ponds and tanks etc. through a scientifically designed training and extension package which will focus on scientific reservoir fisheries management and quality seed production. The reservoir fisheries management is undertaken by the Tamilnadu Fisheries Department (45 reservoirs) and Tamilnadu Fisheries Development Corporation (8 reservoirs). The Department has also taken over about 32,000 ha. of major / minor irrigation tanks for stocking with major carp seeds and exploiting with the help of local fishermen. About 5000 ha. of village ponds and tanks have been developed to adopt composite fish culture technique through Fish Farmers Development Agencies.
3. 1. Fish Seed Production
The production of major carp viz., Catla, Rohu, Mrigal and Common carp is the foremost requisite for the development of inland fish production and with this in view, the Department of Fisheries / Tamilnadu Fisheries Development Corporation and Fish Farmers Development Agencies are managing fish seed farms to produce 500 lakh of fingerlings annually. Apart from these, 84 private seed farms established in the State are producing 600 lakh fingerlings annually. The Department is also encouraging the private sector to produce quality fish seeds with subsidy assistance.
3. 2. Tamilnadu Panchayat Lease and Licensing of fishery rights Rules, 1999
For the Panchayats and Panchayat Union to earn more income and also to encourage scientific fish culture, the Government had issued orders in 1999 to lease fishery rights by open auction for a period of 5 years with preference to fishermen cooperative societies. Further the Government also ordered that the lease amount shall be fixed by the Village Panchayat and the Panchayat Union Council concerned in consultation with the Inspector of Fisheries of the respective area. The Department of Fisheries will help the fishermen to earn more revenue by extending technical guidance to them.
3. 3. Western Ghat Development Programme
During 2000-2001, the Government sanctioned a sum of Rs.28.00 lakh for the following programmes.
The work is in progress for construction of one chinese hatchery at Rs. 10.50 lakh at Manimuthar and construction of 2 nurseries at Manjalar for Rs.6.20 lakh.
43 FRP coracles with 2 Nos. of 10 HP motors for Rs.3.00 lakh have been purchased for Pilavakkal and other reservoirs.
One 18 ft. FRP boat had been purchased for Kodaikanal lake at a cost of Rs.2.00 lakh.
Maintenance of earlier constructions at Chittar-2, Pechiparai, Papanasam etc. at a cost of Rs. 6.30 lakh.
4. RESEARCH
There are 2 Research Stations each headed by an Assistant Director of Fisheries. There are 34 Research Assistants working on 16 projects, which were cleared by the State Fisheries Reseach Council in June, 98. Main focus of the Research is to aid development of Fisheries sector through applied research. Fisheries Department would be co-ordinating with the Central Fisheries Research Institute, CIFA, CIBA, CMFRI and the Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi.
5. FISHERMEN TRAINING
At present 4 Fisheries Training Centres are functioning in the State at Nagapattinam, Mandapam, Thoothukudi and Colachel. Training is given to sons of fishermen for 10 months on operation and maintenance of mechanised boats and to operate modern fishing gear. Besides this a Junior Mechanic course is also conducted in all places.
Applications are normally called for in the months of November and December. Monthly stipend of Rs.200/- is paid to each of the selected trainee. Apart from this, daily allowance of Rs.2.50 as food allowance while at sea for 10 days in a month for 10 months is given to each of the trainee.
6. FISHERIES EXTENSION
At present 7 extension units are functioning in the State. Seminars and exhibitions are conducted at State and District level. Mass media like All India Radio and Doordharsan are also utilised to disseminate information on fish culture, weather warning etc. for the benefit of the fisherfolk. Information on various scientific developments and new benefits extended by the Government and other agencies are brought to the notice of the fisherfolk through handouts, reprints, etc. During 2000-2001, 41 radio talks and 13 television programmes were organised.
The Govt, of India have conveyed their administrative approval for a sum of Rs.56.44 lakh (Rupees Fifty six lakh and forty four thousand only) as 80% Central share to the Government of Tamilnadu, under Central sector scheme on Fisheries "Training and Extension" during 2001-2002 towards training of fish farmers, establishment of three fish farmers training centres, publication of two extension manuals, organisation of seminars and establishment of one awareness centre at Neelankarai and also released a sum of Rs.20.00 lakh as first instalment (Total outlay comes to Rs.70.55 lakh). The approval of the Scheme for Rs.70.55 lakh and release of first instalment of Rs.20.00 lakh is under consideration.
7. BRACKISHWATER FISH FARMERS DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES
There are 5 Brackishwater Fish Farmers Development Agencies functioning in the State. These agencies are entrusted with the task of educating and training the farmers who wish to take up brackishwater aquaculture and mariculture.
As per the directions of the Aquaculture Authority, the Government constituted Committees at State level and District level. The District Collector is the Chairman of the District Level Committee and the Chief Executive Officer of the BFDA is the Member-Secretary. The Chief Executive Officers are entrusted with the task of processing the applications of the shrimp aquaculture farmers and forwarding them to the State Level Committee with their recommendations. 972 applications had been received from the shrimp aquaculture farmers and they are being processed by the BFDAs. The State Level Committee has recommended for the issue of authorisation / approval for 184 shrimp aquaculture farms. As on date 87 authorisation for approval had been issued to shrimp aquaculture farmers.
8. AGRICULTURAL HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
The Fisheries Department will be continuing the World Bank assisted AHRD project during 2001-2002 also. The main thrust will be on training of trainers in select fields of fisheries science through network of aquaculture centres in Asia, South East Asian fisheries development centre, Phillipines and Asian Institute of Technology at Thailand 37 persons had already been deputed for various training upto 2000-2001. It is proposed to complete the networking of the Department of Fisheries by acquiring additional personal computers and establishing connectivity. The total estimated cost is Rs.22.34 lakh. It is also proposed to set up a PCR lab for fish / shrimp disease monitoring at an estimated cost of Rs.20.00 lakh during this period by appropriating the savings under AHRDP component.
9. SCHEMES FOR 2000-2001
The following schemes were approved as Part II Schemes and implemented during 2000-2001.
Sl. No. |
Name of the Scheme |
Total cost (Rs. in lakh) |
1) |
Purchase of 60 floating cages for Intensive Inland Fish Culture and Marketing at Tirumangalam and Villupuram for fish seed rearing |
4.06 |
2) |
Purchase of 20 fibreglass coracles |
2.40 |
3) |
Distribution of 2000 aluminium containers to Fisherwomen Cooperative Society members. |
3.00 |
4) |
Construction of Office building in the existing ice plant of Pechiamman Padithurai, Madurai. |
6.00 |
|
Total |
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10. FISHERMEN WELFARE
With the Fishermen welfare as the top most item in the Fisheries agenda of this State Government, the following schemes would continue to receive the support and thrust of this Government during this year also.
Fishermen Free Housing Scheme
Savings cum Relief Scheme
Group Insurance scheme
Reimbursement of Central Excise Duty on HSD oil
Fishermen Free Housing Scheme
For the last 5 years, the Government had sanctioned for construction of 20,000 houses at the rate of 4000 houses per annum. Out of which as on date 15,558 houses had been completed. This scheme will be continued during the year 2001-2002.
Savings-cum-Relief Scheme
The Government of India during January 1992 came forward to participate in the Savings-cum-Relief Scheme for marine fishermen taking note of the fact that fishing is a seasonal activity and some relief is necessary for the fishermen during off-season months. Under this scheme a sum of Rs.45/- per month per fisherman is collected from members of the Fishermen Cooperative Society for a period of 8 months in a year. A total sum of Rs.360/- thus collected will be matched with equal contributions by the State as well as Central Government. The total sum of Rs.1080/- is disbursed during the four lean months to each fisherman equally at Rs.270/-per month. During 2000-2001 a sum of Rs. 1325.67 lakh was disbursed to 1.86 lakh fishermen. This scheme will be continued during this financial year. A sum of Rs.11.01 crore is provided in the Budget Estimate for implementing the scheme.
For 2000-2001, the Government of India have conveyed their administrative approval for continuance of this scheme in the revised pattern of assistance during this year each fisherman may remit a sum of Rs.50/- for 8 months totalling to Rs.400/- A total sum of Rs.400/- thus collected is pooled with Rs.500/- as contribution by the State and Rs.300/- as contribution from Central Government. The total sum of Rs.1200/- is to be disbursed during the 4 lean months to each fisherman equally at Rs.300/- per month.
Fishermen Group Insurance Scheme
Under this Scheme, the State and Central Government pay a sum of Rs.12/- towards the annual insurance premium per fisherman who are members of the Cooperative Societies from 1.7.91 onwards to the National Federation of Fishermen Cooperative Ltd., New Delhi. In case of death / total permanent disablement a sum of Rs.35,000/- is paid to the family of the fisherman and in case of partial permanent disablement a sum of Rs.17,500/- is given.
For 2000-2001, the annual insurance premium per fishermen at Rs.12/- has been increased to Rs.14/-. From 10.12.2000 to 9.12.2001 a sum of Rs.17.86 lakh has been paid to the National Federation of Fishermen Cooperatives Ltd., New Delhi to cover 2,97,657 fishermen. Under this new scheme, the fishermen will be benefitted with the increase of Rs.50,000/- instead of Rs.35,000/- as insured amount. In case of partial disablement a sum of Rs.25,000/- is given instead of Rs.17,500/-.
For implementing this scheme during the current year, a sum of Rs.21.00 lakh is provided in the Budget Estimate.
Further, the State Government is also implementing a separate scheme for an additional coverage of Rs.15,000/- as a State Scheme. The Insurance premium payable for a fisherman is Rs.4/- per annum. In case of death / total permanent disablement a sum of Rs.15,000/- is paid and in case of partial disablement a sum of Rs.7,500/- is given. For 2000-2001, a sum of Rs. 11.91 lakh has been paid at the rate of Rs.4/- per fisherman to cover 2,97,657 fishermen.
For expansion of the scheme, the Government sanctioned a sum of Rs. 2.61 lakh on 14.12.2000 to include the fisherwomen in the scheme for paying annual premium of Rs. 3.95 per fisherwoman to cover 66,027 fisherwomen. Under the new scheme, in case of death of the fisherwomen a sum of Rs.15,000/- is paid to the family and in case of partial disablement a sum of Rs.7,500/- is given to the family of the fisherwoman.
For this scheme, a sum of Rs.14.50 lakh is provided in the Budget Estimate.
Reimbursement of Central Excise Duty on HSD oil
To alleviate the sufferings of the mechanised fishing boat operators, the Government reimburse the Excise Duty as subsidy for the purchase of HSD oil to bring down the running cost of mechanised fishing boats. The State Government offers a sum of Rs. 0.17 paise per litre and the Central Government offers a sum of Rs.0.28 paise and a total sum of Rs.0.45 paise per litre towards diesel subsidy is paid to the fishermen. A sum of Rs.250.00 lakh had been sanctioned by the State Government on 27.11.2000 for reimbursement of Central Excise Duty on HSD oil for the year 1999-2000. Out of the total sanctioned amount a sum of Rs.159.13 lakh was disbursed to 2035 mechanised boat operators and the balance amount remitted to the Govt. account. This scheme will be implemented during the current year on receipt of Govt. of India’s sanction.
11. FISHERIES COOPERATIVES
As on date 705 Marine Fishermen / Fisherwomen Cooperative Societies with 3,37,598 members and 289 Inland Fisherman / Fisherwomen Co-operative Societies with 59486 members, 10 District Fishermen Federation with 655 members are functioning. One Apex Federation with 679 members and 17 other types of Fishermen Societies with 2848 members are functioning in the State. These Societies constitute an important agency for the upliftment of fishermen / fisherwomen community in the State
12. (a) TAMILNADU STATE APEX FISHERIES COOPERATIVE FEDERATION LIMITED (TAFCOFED)
Tamilnadu State Apex Fisheries Cooperative Federation was registered under Tamilnadu Cooperative Societies Act, 1983 and functioning from 19.10.1992 with Headquarters in Chennai. It has 553 primary fishermen Cooperative Societies and 9 District Cooperative Federations as members. To uplift the socio-economic status of fishermen, TAFCOFED has implemented Integrated Marine Fisheries Development Project under Phase I with the revised project cost of Rs.1699.00 lakh in 78 fishing villages of 5 coastal Districts of Nagapattinam, Kancheepuram, Thoothukudi, Kanniyakumari and Ramnad with the financial assistance from National Cooperative Development Corporation. So far, a sum of Rs. 1361.00 lakh has been spent under Phase I for the purchase of inputs like 2108 Catamaran, Vallam, Nets and inboard / outboard engines to 4234 fishermen as loan with 25% subsidy. Under this scheme, financial assistance as loan with 25% subsidy has also been disbursed for purchase of 98 nos. of two wheelers to the members of 13 fishermen cooperative societies.
The fishermen in the area of the said five Districts have been given necessary training by TAFCOFED on Cooperative management and maintenance of Inboard / outboard engines. Mass contact programmes are being conducted for intensifying the involvement of fishermen in the activities of TAFCOFED and to avail the benefits of the schemes.
Further, share capital loan without interest to the extent of Rs.15.80 lakh has been disbursed by TAFCOFED under Phase-I to the members of 23 fishermen and fisherwomen Cooperative societies for engaging in marketing activities of fish, engine spare parts, diesel etc.
(b) INTEGRATED MARINE FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT PROJECT PHASE – II
In continuation of Phase I of Integrated Marine Fisheries Development Project, Government have approved the Phase II Project at a block cost of Rs.4506.00 lakh to be implemented from 1.4.98 in 100 fishing villages of 13 coastal districts of Tamilnadu in five years period. Government have sanctioned Rs.801.62 lakh under Phase II for the first year and so far a sum of Rs.573.95 lakh has been issued as loan including 25% subsidy for the purchase of 562 inputs like cattamaran, Vallam, Marine Plywood vallam, nets and inboard /outboard engines to 1308 fishermen members of 59 fishermen cooperative societies.
Necessary training on cooperative management and field study on the function of fisheries cooperative societies in other states is given by TAFCOFED to the representatives of fishermen cooperative societies and member beneficiaries and cooperative training to the Managers of fishermen cooperative societies.
Ice Boxes
TAFCOFED has also disbursed an amount of Rs.59.69 lakh to the members of fisherwomen cooperative societies for the purchase of 100 litres at Rs. 3600/- for 1233 ice boxes and 60 litres at Rs.2000/- for 765 ice boxes totalling 1998 ice boxes with 75% subsidy from Central Government.
TAFCOFED has proposed to give financial assistance to the extent of Rs.804.00 lakh to 2500 fishermen members for the purchase of 826 fishing inputs out of the project cost of Rs.954.00 lakh earmarked for the second year under IMFDP Phase II with 25% subsidy.
NEW SCHEMES FOR 2001-2002
For 2001-2002 a sum of Rs. 103.18 lakh has been approved to start 8 new schemes under Part II as detailed below.
Cost in 2001-2002
(Rupees in lakh)
Sl.No. |
Title of the Scheme |
Revenue |
Capital |
Loan |
Total |
1) |
Purchase of 75 cages to inland waterbodies under the control of the Fisheries Department |
4.10 |
-- |
-- |
4.10 |
2) |
Upgradation of the existing fish seed farm at Palar-Porandalar |
-- |
14.00 |
-- |
14.00 |
3) |
Providing leading channel and berthing facilities at Chummambukulam, Periakuppam in Tiruvallur Dist. |
-- |
5.88 |
-- |
5.88 |
4) |
Strengthening and improvement of existing two fish seed farms in Virudhunagar Dist. |
-- |
25.00 |
-- |
25.00 |
5) |
Provision of bore-well for Directorate of Fisheries at Head Office, Teynampet. |
1.50 |
-- |
-- |
1.50 |
6) |
Repairs to Department boats |
5.00 |
-- |
-- |
5.00 |
7) |
Resource information dissemination to marine fishermen development of communication system |
5.20 |
-- |
-- |
5.20 |
8) |
Sea safety equipment for active marine fishermen |
42.50 |
-- |
-- |
42.50 |
|
Total |
58.30 |
44.88 |
-- |
|
14. TAMILNADU FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION LIMITED
The Tamilnadu Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd., was established in 1974 as a State owned undertaking. The authorised share capital is Rs.500.00 lakh and the paid up Share Capital as on date is Rs.445.52 lakh.
The Corporation is at present engaged in the following activities
Operation of two deep sea fishing trawlers in the East Coast from Vishakapattinam
Management of reservoirs by stocking quality fish seeds and exploiting them on commercial basis;
Production of quality fish seeds at induced carpspawning centres at reservoir sites for stocking in the reservoirs and for sale to fish farmers;
Management of Ice Plants, Cold Storages and Processing Plants at Chennai, Mandapam and Thoothukudi
Supply of diesel at subsidised price to fishermen through retail outlets at Fishing Harbours / Jetties;
Supply of quality fish in prime condition to public at reasonable price through retail outlets in Chennai city and other important towns;
Management of Fish Net Manufacturing plant at Royapuram and supply of quality fish net webbing to fishermen;
Management of Shrimp Hatchery at Neelankarai near Chennai for production and supply of shrimp seeds to shrimp farmers;
Management of Pearl Culture Project and pearl oyster hatchery;
Management of Model shrimp Farm and demonstration-cum-training centre at Karangadu;
Distribution of outboard / inboard motors on subsidy basis;
Production and marketing of ornamental fishes.
MARINE FISHERIES
Trawler operation
The Corporation is operating two deep sea fishing trawlers based at Vizag. During 2000-2001, 22.00 M.T. of prawns and 118.00 M.T. of fish were landed fetching a total revenue of Rs.121.42 lakh.
INLAND FISHERIES
Reservoirs
The following reservoirs are under the management of the Tamilnadu Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd., in which systematic stocking of fish seeds is done. Harvesting of fish is done by engaging local fishermen who keep 1/3 of the catches as their share.
Sathanur dam
Bhavanisagar
Amaravathy
Aliyar
Thirumoorthy
Uppar
Palar-Porandalar
Perumpallam
During 2000-2001, 344 M.T. of fish were landed realising a revenue of Rs.135.50 lakh. Out of the above eight reservoirs, Bhavanisagar, Uppar and Palar-Porandalar reservoirs have been leased out to private entrepreneurs
Fish Seed Production
The Corporation is managing one fish seed production centre at Sathanur dam and six fish seed rearing centres at Amaravathy, Aliyar, Thirumoorthy, Palar-Porandalar and Uppar. Fish seeds produced here are stocked in the reservoirs managed by the TNFDC and also supplied to the Fisheies Department, Fish Farmers Development Agencies and private farmers. During 2000-2001, 178 lakh of fish seeds were produced.
FISH PROCESSING
The Corporation is in possession of five Ice Plants / Processing Plants in the State. During 2000-2001, a sum of Rs.16.05 lakh has been collected towards lease rent.
DIESEL OUTLETS
At present, the Corporation is operating 17 retail/consumer diesel outlets in the Fishing Harbours like Chennai, Mallipattinam, Thoothukudi, Pazhayar etc. for the benefit of mechanised fishing boat operators and fishermen. During 2000-2001, a total quantity of 33,577 K.L. of diesel and oil was sold and earned a commission of Rs.85.53 lakh.
FISH MARKETING
The Corporation is marketing fresh and fried fish in the cities like Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore and Periyar Districts through retail outlets. During 2000-2001, 540 M.T. of fish were sold for Rs.230.28 lakh.
FISH NET MAKING FACTORY
A fish Net Making Factory with a production capacity of 75 M.T. per annum is functioning at Royapuram. During 2000-2001 33 M.T. of Nylon and HDPE nets were sold to fishermen for Rs.81.02 lakh.
DRY FISH GODOWN AT THOOTHUKUDI
A Dry Fish Godown constructed by the Marine Products Export Development Authority for the benefit of dry fish exporters at Thoothukudi was taken over and run by the Corporation. During 2000-2001, a sum of Rs.1.55 lakh was collected as rent.
PRODUCTION OF CULTURED PEARLS AND OYSTERS
It is proposed to lease out the Pearl Culture Project and Pearl Oyster Hatchery at Mandapam to private entrepreneur at a cost of Rs.3.41 lakh.
MODEL SHRIMP FARM AND DEMONSTRATION-CUM-TRAINING CENTRE AT KARANGADU
A Model Shrimp Farm and Demonstration-cum-Training Centre has been set up at Karangadu, Ramanathapuram District. During 2000-2001, 1.99 M.T. of shrimp were produced and sold for Rs.3.67 lakh.
DISTRIBUTION OF OUTBORD / INBOARD MOTORS ON SUBSIDY BASIS
The TNFDC Ltd. has taken up the distribution of outboard / inboard motors for the motorisation of traditional crafts to the fishermen beneficiaries identified by the Commissioner and Director of Fisheries on subsidy basis. During 2000-2001, 292 outboard moors / inboard motors have been distributed by the TNFDC with 50% subsidy. The Corporation earned a revenue of Rs.4.91 lakh. For inboard motors maximum subsidy upto Rs.12,000/- per unit and for outboard engines upto Rs.10,000/- per unit was given.
PRODUCTION AND MARKETING OF ORNAMENTAL FISHES
Under the assistance received from the Government of Tamilnadu, TNFDC has set up ornamental fish production centres at Aliyar and Thirumoorthy Nagar. An ornamental fish sales centre-cum-Aquarium is functioning at Aliyar Nagar. One ornamental fish sales centre is functioning at Chennai.
So far a sum of Rs. 18.10 lakh has been realised as profit to the Corporation. The loss of Tamilnadu Fisheries Development Corporation has been reduced from Rs.56.80 lakh in the year 1999-2000 to Rs.6.00 lakh during the year 2000-2001.
K.P. RAJENDRA PRASAD
Minister for Fisheries
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