Rs 2 cr grant released to use satellite technology in fishing

The advanced method will revolutionise fisheries scenario in Karnataka, says KFDC chief

Addressing a press meet on Tuesday, he said “the scheme will be implemented through the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation Ltd only to mechanised boats below 20 meter length in the first instance. The subsidy of 75 per cent of the unit cost for the equipments consisting of GPS, communication equipment, echo sounder and search and rescue beacon will be given to the mechanised boats.

He said “use of satellite technology for fishing will bring about revolution in fishing activities in Karnataka. Gujarath has already started fishing using satellite technology. The use of satellite will bring in revolutionary change among the mechanised boats. Fish finder, GPS, eco sounder will be used and fishing can be carried out within three hours. With the Rs 2 crore grant, every mechanised boat will be given equipments worth Rs one lakh. The boat owner should bear Rs 25,000. With the grant equipments will be provided to 200 mechanised boats.”

He said fishing vessels violating fishing bans and MFRA provisions would be excluded from the scheme. The fishing boats of the beneficiaries should be registered with the State government.

Loan

Baikampady said the budget had announced loan to fishermen at the rate of 3 per cent interest. However, fishermen have not yet received the loan so far. The Cabinet meeting has already made a decision on the loan at three per cent interest recently.

Training

Baikampady said around 500 fisherwomen were given training in ornamental fish cultivation in Bangalore rural. The equipments have been distributed to them on subsidised rate. 500 fisherwomen will be given training in ornamental fish rearing in undivided Dakshina Kannada in the month of January. The KFDC will purchase the ornamental fish from these women. Every woman will be able to fetch Rs 4000 profit per month.

“Inspite of KFDC’s assurance that no AC fish outlet will be started, some vested interests have been trying to instigate fisherwomen to stage protest against KFDC, thus create hurdles in the way of functioning of KFDC by spreading malicious rumours. However, AC outlet will not be shifted from Chilimbi at any cost,” he added.