AquaEx India-2018 from March 15

 Hyderabad: A four-day AquaEx India-2018 will be held at the HITEX exhibition centre here from March 15 to 18. It was announced by Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Minister Talasani Srinivas Yadav here on Wednesday.

The Minister launched a programme as a prelude for AquaEx India- 2018 at Secretariat. The Minister noted that the mega event will be organised jointly by Society for Indian Fisheries Aquaculture (SIFA) and Telangana government. It will help develop fisheries and aquaculture in the State and encourage exports using modern methods and practices, the Minister said.

The programme is first of its kind in South Asia and will be attended by over 25 nations, companies, traders of fish and people involved in the business. Srinivas Yadav said 14.5 million people are eking out their livelihood and producing 10.8 million tons of fish and other varieties. India stands second in the world in fish production after China which produces 60 per cent. Seafood is good for health, he added. Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao launched the fish scheme to help the poor fishermen revive their economy, the Minister said.

The State government left 52 crore fish into the lakes and ponds this year and 22 crore fish last year to help the fishermen community in a big way to get more income and improve their livelihood. He said Rs 1000 crore will be spent for fish seed development, equipment for fishing, marketing and to boost the revenue of those relying on fish business.

International technologies, methods, new breeds, production increase and better marketing policies and related issues will be discussed at the event. The Minister said the exhibition will create awareness among the fishermen and aquaculture on better practices to increase the produce and improve their revenue and financial conditions. Mission Kakatiya reviving lakes is a major scheme to help improve rural economy, he said. 

The Minister charged that the Congress government in the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh, neglected Telangana region in Fisheries sector. The State government is focusing on Mission Kakatiya, Mission Bhagiratha and completion of Irrigation projects.