Measures to develop fish farming in CP

Nethali STRUYS

Measures have been taken to develop fish farming in the Central Province to enhance nutrition levels of the estate community, said National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) Director General P Nimal Chandraratne.

He said that comparatively people in the Central Province especially the estate and the rural communities are suffering from malnourishment because of shortage of fresh fish and not being able to afford of it. This project is based on three main objectives. They are to enhance the nutrition levels of the estate communities, to increase availability of fresh fish at affordable prices and to uplift the income levels of the rural community. Fish farming culture will be developed in estate tanks, ponds and the ponds that are to be constructed in suitable sites.

The research have proved that in Anuradapura fresh water fish consumption is 81 percent, Plonnaruwa 73 percent but Central Province fresh water fish consumption is 19 percent.

Estate tanks which are in good condition will be stocked with suitable fish species and will be harvested. The abandoned ponds are to be rehabilitated before using them for fish farming. New ponds will be constructed in sites with requirements such as constant supply of water.