The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) had launched project called a Cage Farming Project (CFP). The objective of the scheme is to boost open-sea cage farming and make fishing simple and safe for fisherman. The government is working on the Blue Revolution Mission and under the scheme government will be setting up open sea cages and also will be training fisherman across the country in the maritime states. 5000 fisherman will be trained across India for the CFP to increase the fish production. Financial assistance of Rs. 1 crores will be provided by National Fisheries Development Board under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) has launched the first phase of the project.
What is Cage Farming Project? The Government of India initiatives to train fishermen in open sea cage farming. The objective of the project is to increase the fish production and also to increase fishermen`s income and provide safety.
Cage Farming Project: Objectives
- To start Blue Revolution
- To make fishing safe and simple for fishermen
- To increase the fishing production
- To increase the fishermen`s revenues
- To improve the living standards of the fishermen and people living in the maritime states in India
- To increase of availability of the quality and fresh fish across
Cage Farming Project: Benefits
- Fishermen will get free three day training in open sea cage farming
- Fishermen will be able to catch 70% more fish with the training instead of normal traditional methods of fishing
- With cage farming 35 kg per cubic metre fish production can be obtained as compared to conventional pond culture which produces an average 0.5 kg per cubic metre or 5,000 kg per hectare
- Fish farmers will get subsidy by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)
- Fish farmers will also get technical support by the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB)
- 40% of the total expense will be given as subsidy to the farmers for fishing individually or in group
- Women and fishermen from the SC/ST category will get subsidy of 60%
Cage Farming Project: Eligibility/Who can apply?
- Only fishermen are eligible for the scheme
- Fishermen from maritime states in India only are eligible
- Women and fishermen from SC and ST categories will get subsidy of 60%
Cage Farming Project: Implementation & Highlights
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) is implementing the project and the first phase is kicked off in Kerala
- Rs. 15 crore are allocated for the first phase which will be used to setup cage farms units
- This project implement has started in Ernakulam and Thrissur coastal districts of Kerala
- Species such as sea bass, pearl spot, cobia, pompano and red snapper will be farmed in cages with a size of 4 metre each width and length and 3 metre depth
- Three aqua one labs will be set up in the state to help farmers. The lab will provide services such as water quality check, sediment analysis, seed transportation, disease management etc
Cage Farming Project: How to Apply?
To start with the project is implemented in Kerala State and fishermen from Kerala can apply to the
- Fishermen from Kerala can register now at the Mariculture Division of CMFRI
- The fishermen with water resources at least three meter depth during low tide is required
- CMFRI will review the applications and then give approvals
More Details & References