Buoyed over initial success in fish production target, the government is aiming to meet the set target of fish production upto 150 million tonnes by 2019-20. “We are on right track to double the income of farmers and pisciculture would play a key role in fulfilling the dreams of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh told Millennium Post. “The total fish production in the country is around 114 million tonnes and the annual growth rate is more than 6 per cent, which is a symbol of immense opportunities in the coming years,” Singh said, adding that the country has witnessed 20.1 per cent increase in fish production during 2014-17 in comparison to the year 2011-2014, which is unprecedented. “In 2013-14, the total export value was Rs 30,213 crore which increased to Rs 37,871 crore in the year 2016-17,” Singh said, adding that about 67 per cent of fish production comes from the inland sector while remaining 33 per cent from the marine. Stressing on available opportunities in the development of fisheries sector, the minister said, “Due to the increasing pressure of human activities, water resources in different forms are not only an option but also an opportunity to increase food production through fisheries.” The government is also looking at various possibilities for intensive and integrated development of the fisheries sector as fisheries and aquaculture activities have emerged as a source of income and livelihood for people across the globe, Singh said, while addressing the 7th general assembly of World Forum of Fisher Peoples on Wednesday. Given that fish farming sector provides nutritional security and employment opportunities and helps 15 million people earn their livelihoods, the government is aiming to achieve the targeted production through optimum utilization of resources, Singh said.