Govt plans to boost fish production by using technology

The government will take initiative to increase fish productivity at every stage by adopting modern, automated fish farming technologies and farm mechanisation, aiming to achieve a target of 8.5 million tonnes of fish production by 2041.

Fisheries and Livestock Minister Md Abdur Rahman said this at a 'Meet the Press' programme to announce the National Fisheries Week-2024 beginning today, reports UNB.

The theme of this year's fisheries week is 'Bhorbo mache moder desh, gorbo smart Bangladesh'. The week will end August 5.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the fisheries week at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city.

Twenty-two people and organisations will be honoured with the National Fisheries Award. Of them, six will be awarded with gold medals, eight each with silver and bronze medals.

The Prime Minister will also release some fish fry at Gonobhaban lake on Wednesday noon, said the minister.

Abdur Rahman said the production of native species of fish would be increased through releasing fish fry in rivers, canals and water bodies, modernising fish hatcheries and establishing fish sanctuary.

Mentioning that Bangladesh secured the second position in producing sweet water fish, the minister said they want to grab the first position in this sector by using technology.

Noting that the government has taken steps for the development of the lifestyle of the fishermen, he said identity cards have been given to 1.58 million fishermen, out of 1.81 million.

Currently, Bangladesh exports fish and fisheries products to more than 50 countries of the world and despite the economic slowdown in the global market, Bangladesh earned over Tk 44.96 billion through the export of 77,408 tonnes of fish and fisheries products in the fiscal year 2023-24, he said.

Besides, the government has set a target to export fish worth five billion dollars by 2030, he added.

Replying to a question about the decline in export earnings in shrimp sector, the minister said due to the increase in demand for shrimp in the domestic market, the export of shrimp abroad has decreased slightly.

However, efforts are being made to create a special economic zone in Cox's Bazar to increase shrimp production, he added.