Govt takes 18 projects to boost fish output, Sayedul tells JS

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Mohammed Sayedul Haque said on Thursday the present government has taken pragmatic plans and 18 development projects at a cost of Tk 13.64 billion (1,364 crore) in the current fiscal year (FY), 2014-15, to enhance production of fishes that meet about 60 per cent demand for animal protein in the country, reports BSS.
"Country needs 3.79 million tonnes of fishes each year while the production of fish in the FY 2012-13 was 3.41 million tonnes. The supply of around 60 per cent animal protein comes from fishes," the minister told the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) while responding to a question of treasury bench member Sanjida Khanam.
He said the projected demand for fish in the FY 2013-2014 was 3.88 tonnes while the production was 3.55 million tonnes.
In reply to a query of Safura Begum, Sayedul said the country has 136 hatcheries in the public sector for supplying fish fry and pollen in order to meet the demand.
The minister, answering to a query of treasury bench member Didarul Alam, informed the House that a list 1.21 million fishermen has been finalised and some 0.31 million fishermen were given identity cards and registered with the authorities concerned.