Karnataka: New fisheries policy for sustainable fishing on the cards

The state Budget on Friday announced establishment of 50 new veterinary clinics, construction of new buildings for 100 veterinary institutions, development of fodder trees plantation, protection of indigenous cattle breeds and training in modern sheep husbandry practices to nomadic shepherds.

A new Fisheries Policy will be formulated to ensure protection of fishery resources. CM also announced developing fishing link roads in the coastal districts at a cost of Rs 30 crore.

Relaxing the present limit for fishing boat length to encourage deep-sea fishing, a hi-tech Matsya Darshini in Mysuru to provide fish delicacies and a multi-level parking facility at Malpe fishing harbour are some other Budget announcements.

Highlights

• Total allocation for animal husbandry and fisheries – Rs 3,977 crore.
• Under the ‘Anugraha’ scheme, compensation for accidental death of cows, buffaloes and bullocks will increase from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.
• The compensation for sheep/goats from Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,500
• Rs 2 crore allocated for the protection and development of indigenous cattle breeds Hallikar, Khillari, Amruth Mahal, and Bandur sheep breed.