The Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock has taken initiatives to encourage the cultivation of endangered native species of fish based in the area, conservation of snails and oysters and expansion of pearl farming. Following this, the Department of Fisheries is implementing conservation and development projects of native species of fish and snails.
The program will be implemented in 49 upazilas of 10 districts of three divisions of the country through conservation and development of native species of fish and snails. Which will be started from February this year, said the director general of the Department of Fisheries Kh. Mahbubul Haque.
He told Barta24.com that the importance of local small fish in meeting the nutritional needs is immense. But these fish are no longer seen on food plates. Today these fishes are on the verge of extinction due to various natural causes. Considering the need and nutritional value of these fish, we have taken initiative to cultivate and propagate small scale fish based on area. Besides, sanctuary will be declared on the basis of availability of fish. Under this project, skilled and trained manpower will be developed for cage fish farming, fish farming in paddy fields, creation of alternative employment, fish farming training and safe fish production.
He further said that 392 indigenous fish farming exhibition centers have been set up in the project area, 314 pen fish farming exhibitions have been set up, 100 units have been set up for cage fish farming exhibitions, 49 paddy fields have been set up for fish farming exhibitions, 20 snail farming exhibitions have been set up and 100 oyster farms have been set up. Exhibition will be set up, 200 pearl cultivation exhibitions will be set up.
He hopes that after the implementation of this project, the people of the country will be able to taste at least some of the local fish. Besides, the national economy will also be strengthened.
Concerned project director SM Ashikur Rahman told Barta24.com that it will be implemented in 49 upazilas of 10 districts of Dhaka, Barisal and Khulna divisions. These are: Gopalganj Sadar, Tungipara, Kotalipara, Muksudpur and Kashiani upazilas of Gopalganj district, Bhanga and Saltha upazilas of Faridpur district, Madaripur Sadar, Rajoir, Shibchar and Kalkini upazilas of Madaripur district, Shariatpur Sadar of Shariatpur district, Vedarganj, Gosairhat, Barisal Sadar, Agailjhara, Babuganj, Hijla, Bakerganj, Banaripara, Uzirpur, Muladi, Gournadi and Mehendiganj upazilas, Bhandaria and Kaukhali upazilas, Barguna Sadar, Amtali, Patharghata, Taltali, Bamna and Betagi upazilas of Barguna district, Mollahat and Fakirhat upazilas of Bagerhat district and Narail Sadar, Lohagarh and Kalia upazilas of Narail district.
The project director further said that 30,000 beneficiary fishermen will be created in 49 upazilas through the project. 6,000 groups will be formed with the beneficiaries and fishermen. These small species of fish will be kept alive with the help of various government help.