Mangaluru: Minister of Fisheries, Ports, and Inland Water Transport Mankal S Vaidya announced several ambitious projects during the National Fish Farmers Day celebration and the BYGFISH 2.0 workshop. The event was organized by Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University (KVAFSU), Bidar, College of Fisheries Mangalore, and the fisheries department on Saturday.
Vaidya revealed plans to construct a state-of-the-art fish market complex in Hebbal, Bengaluru, at an estimated cost of Rs 50 crore. This market will be built on three acres of land belonging to the Department of Animal Husbandry. Additionally, an office complex for the fisheries department will be constructed in Hebbal at a cost of Rs 20 crore.
The minister also announced the development of a seafood park in Byndoor at a cost of Rs 100 crore. This park will process regional fish catches for both export and domestic use, helping to boost the income of local fishermen.
Further initiatives include a training center at Manki in Uttara Kannada, a fish seed farm, and a rearing center at Almatti, estimated at Rs 25 crore. A skill development center at Almatti will also be developed at a cost of Rs 10 crore.
On the demand for a fisheries university, Vaidya mentioned plans to gradually convert the College of Fisheries Mangalore into an autonomous university. He also highlighted the government’s request to nationalized banks and the central government to support the Rs 3 lakh interest-free loan scheme for fisherwomen, as many banks require land documents as guarantees.
The event concluded with the distribution of various scheme benefits to fishermen. Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath presided over the event.