By IANS,
Kolkata : Fish production in West Bengal, the country’s largest fish producing state, may cross 2,000 tonnes by 2015 from the current level of about 1,800 tonnes, industry body Assocham said Tuesday.
Fish production in Bengal, which accounts for about 20 percent of the total fish production of over nine million tonnes in India, is currently growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about five percent, according to a comprehensive study on fisheries done by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham).
The industry lobby suggested that the state government integrate a comprehensive promotional plan in its policies to spur fish production and raise the CAGR of fish production in the state to about seven percent from the current level.
“With appropriate incentives coupled with robust investments in infrastructure, fish production in India can grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of about seven per cent during the course of the next four to five years from the current level of over 3.5 percent CAGR,” Assocham national secretary general D.S. Rawat said while releasing a study, titled ‘Fisheries – A Prize Catch in Indian Export Basket’.
“Similarly, proper storage, processing and marketing facilities together with well co-ordinated efforts for comprehensive development of fisheries sector and fishermen-community would help increase fish production in West Bengal,” said Rawat.
Fish production in India might also cross 13 million tonnes by 2016, the study said.
With less than one million tonnes exported, presently domestic demand for all types of fish (including fresh and processed) is about 7.5 million tonnes and is likely to cross 10 million tonnes by 2016.
Export demand is placed at eight to ten percent of the total fish production in India. Besides, in value terms, India’s total fisheries exports are about $3 billion and are expected to reach about $4.7 billion by 2014, it added.