Karnataka Budget earmarks Rs 215-cr for fisheries sector

MANGALORE: The Government of Karnataka, has earmarked the investment of Rs 215 crore for the fisheries sector in the state, in its Budget for next fiscal (2012-13).

The proposed outlay includes funds for construction of houses for fishermen, to increase fishling production and for the second stage work on a fisheries harbour in Udupi district.

While presenting the State Budget today, Mr DV Sadananda Gowda, Karnataka Chief Minister, said that the state government will provide Rs 24 crore to undertake the construction process of 4,000 houses during 2012-13 for fishermen without houses.

As per the diesel demand for mechanised fishing boats, the quantity of tax-free diesel will be raised to 1.25 lakh kilo litres during 2012-13, as against 1 lakh kilo litres in the 2011-12 Budget.

Referring to the fishlings demand in the state, the minister prmoised to allot Rs 10 crore for upgrading fish production centres.

Out of the 80 crore demand for fishlings in Karnataka, only 40 crore is being produced now. During current fiscal, there was an increase of 35 per cent in fishling production.

Moreover, Mr Gowda has sanctioned Rs 26 crore for the second stage of the Hejmadi Kodi harbour in Udupi district during 2012-13.