NAQDA opens new chapter

Shirley WIJESINGHE

The National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) has turned a new chapter in its development by shifting its head office to its own premises in the administrative hub of the country, Pelawatte, Battaramulla recently.

NAQDA celebrated its 10th anniversary on the same day too.

The Asian Development Bank has granted Rs. 267 million for this building through the Aquatic Resources Development and Quality Improvement Project.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Felix Perera said that the marine resources in the world is under threat today. Special strategies and innovations should be adopted to develop the aquaculture industry in the country as an alternative measure.

Perera said that the Ministry will extend the Aquaculture industry to cover rural areas to sustain its rural economy through generating more self-employment opportunities.

A master plan has already been implemented to achieve this task. NAQDA has achieved immense progress over the last 10 years. The annual inland fish production reached the target of 39,000 metric tons in 2008. NAQDA has earned billions in foreign exchange through exporting shrimp and ornamental fish.

The target yield of the aquaculture industry under the 2008-2013 accelerated program is estimated at 64,000 metric tons, he said.

Minister Perera said that special projects are under way for livelihood development under the Uthuru Vasanthaya and Negenahira Navodaya programs for IDPs in the North and East.