Bhubaneswar: The Odisha chief minister, Naveen Patnaik, Thursday graced the MoU signing ceremony for cage fish culture in Hirakud reservoir.

“We have come into agreements with many entrepreneurs for taking up cage fish culture in Hirakud reservoir” Patnaik said adding, ” Cage culture can increase the annual fish production of the State by over 1.24 lakh tons, achieving self-sufficiency in meeting the demand .”

“It will also promote entrepreneurship,and create job opportunities.The royalty generated from lease of the reservoirs will immensely benefit the Primary Fishery Cooperative Societies also.”

The State Government provides financial assistance up to Rs 50 lakh for various commercial agri-enterprises, including cage culture fisheries.

The chief minister also launced 15 online service of fisheries and animal resources development department.

“I am delighted to launch15 online services of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department under our 5T initiatives.”

The online applications will provide a number of very useful services to fishers and farmers including registration of fishing boats and licenses, registration of brackish water farms and avail subsidy for setting up of new livestock and fishery units.

“My government has identified the allied sectors as the growth propellers for state’s farmers, women SHGs and entrepreneurs and thus doubled the allocation to the allied sectors during 2020-21.”

It is a matter of happiness that the growth in the fisheries and livestock sectors during 2019-20 was over 19 percent, which is much higher than other primary sectors.