The States covered under the Project are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. A brackishwater area of 797 ha at six sites have been developed for shrimp culture operations. For fish culture, a total of 101 reservoirs and 22 oxbow lakes have been developed. Future needs India s future fisheries development plans are aimed at increasing fish production, improving the welfare of fishers, promoting exports and providing food security. The per capita availability and consumption of fish is to be increased to a level of 11 kg per annum for the fish eating population and production has to be increased proportionately.
Aquaculture is recognized as an important way to meet future demands.
A number of schemes have been instituted by state and central sectors to increase brackish-water aquaculture and fish production from tanks and ponds, lakes, reservoirs and rivers. The private sector has emerged as a major player in brackish-water aquaculture, particularly in shrimp farming. Seafood export is now recognized as a major avenue for export earnings. In order to meet EU regulations, massive centrally-sponsored schemes have been initiated to provide infrastructure at fishing harbours and landing centres to improve fresh fish handling and provide sanitation and other assistance for quality processing of fisheries produce. Serve as a repository of information on human resources development in fisheries, including maintaining a database on available manpower resources.