Centre sanctions Rs 170 crore for deepening ponds

Bhopal, July 10 (UNI) The Centre has sanctioned Rs 170 crore for deepening seasonal ponds in order to promote pisciculture in Madhya Pradesh.

Principal Secretary (Fisheries) Ranjana Choudhary, while addressing a programme organised on the occasion of Fisherman's Day, said the amount was more than the department's budget.

Ms Choudhary said 30,000 ponds would be deepened for the purpose.

Elaborating upon the facilities being given to fishermen, she said loan limit was Rs 4,000 per pisciculturist until three years ago which had been raised to Rs 14,000.

She added that the state produced 60,000 metric tonnes fishes this year which were worth Rs 350 crore.

UNI AG-PS 2044