Moves to develop aquaculture farming in Batticaloa

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry has launched projects to develop aquaculture farming, including prawn farming in the Batticaloa district at a cost of Rs.160 million, said Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaratne.

The minister was addressing a land distribution ceremony at Wattawan, Wakarai recently. About 125 acres were distributed among 27 aquaculture fisheries families at Wattawan. Each family received 1.5 acres for prawn farming.

The National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) has allocated over Rs.80 million for the project under the Aquatic Resources and Quality Improvement Project funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The NAQDA will build a model prawn farm in a 15 acres land. Infrastructure facilities, such as, water, electricity and roads will be developed. Rs.70 million has been allocated for this.