Maharashtra to have fishery university soon: Ahmed

Mumbai, Apr 28 (UNI) Maharashtra will soon have a fishery university, first of its kind in the country, in the coastal area of the state, benefitting fishermen.

An announcement to this effect was made by State Dairy Development and Fishery Minister Anis Ahmed after a meeting, chaired by him and conducted by Planning Commission member Bhalchandra Mungekar.

Mr Ahmed said the syllabus of University would be based on the patterns of Shanghai and Japan, which will teach the Indian fishermen the nuances of fishing. It would also provide latest equipment to the fishermen.

''The fishermen will be taught to preserve the fish for a longer period of time and will be provided with the latest equipment for the same,'' he stated.

Mr Mungekar said the fishermen lack the art of marketing their wares, which led to losses.

''The fishermen will also be taught to market their catch in a better way leading to an increase in their income,'' he added.

The Fishing Ministry has provided relief packages of Rs 5,000 each to the members of Rapankar community, Rs 10,000 to the fishermen without engines and boats with 1-2 cylinders, Rs 15,000 for boat owners with 3-4 cylinders, Rs 20,000 for boat owners with 6 cylinders and Rs 2,000 for each of the fish seller totalling more than Rs 31 crore, the Minister informed.

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