22L MT aqua production target for 2025: V-C

TIRUCHY: The Centre has fixed a target of 22 lakh MT aqua production by 2024-25, said Tamil Nadu Dr J Jayalalithaa Fisheries University (TNJFU) Vice Chancellor G Sukumaran on Friday. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an aquaculture conference, Sukumaran said, there are seven research centres functioning across the state and each has specialised in particular a variety of aqua product. This apart, mobile labs are also established to inspect any infection in the fingerlings and suggest remedies to the aqua farmers. Stating that most of the fish varieties have been utilised as cattle and bird feed, the VC said that there are researches to reduce them as feed and make them fit for human consumption, which would earn more profit. “At this juncture, the Union government has fixed a target of 22 lakh MT aqua production by 2024-25. This will be realised only when the cultivation is made at least 5 MT per hectare against the present 3 MT per hectare,” the VC said. This apart, fish cultivation is also needed to be insured on par with paddy and sugarcane, the V-C added.