The amount of soft loan scheme for establishing fish farms would be enhanced to Rs 500 million and the Punjab government is providing all possible incentives to those associated with fisheries sector. Punjab Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary, Naveed Akram Cheema expressed these views while addressing the participants of "Fish Farmers Convention 2008" here on Wednesday.
Director General Fisheries Dr Muhammad Ayub along with other concerned officials and thousands of fish farmers from entire province attended the convention. The Secretary said marginal lands can be used to establish fish farms and in this connection, he said, recommendations to control aquatic pollution have been submitted to the federal government while suggestions about the availability of bulldozers at subsidised rates to fish farmers have been sent to agriculture department.
"A bio-diversity hatchery would be established at Chashma barrage during the next fiscal year. Negotiations are underway with Wapda about the installation of single phase electricity connection at small fish farm units," he added. Director General Dr Muhammad Ayub said technical assistance is being provided to farmers free of cost in setting up fish farms.
"Moreover, analysis of soil and water is also conducted free of charge. Complete advisory service is being provided to farmers and workshops, seminars, conventions and fish festivals are arranged frequently to disseminate improved aqua culture method at district and tehsil levels," he added.
Due to soft loan scheme more than 800 acres of land have been brought under fish culture during 2006-07, he said, adding that recommendations have been submitted to the federal government regarding establishment of a national inland fisheries institute, he added.