Karnataka budget: Fisheries sector gets major boost; key coastal hopes left hanging

Mangaluru: Even though coastal districts had high hopes for the budget presented by chief minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, only the fisheries sector saw a major boost, notably the announcement of a Centre of Excellence at the College of Fisheries, Mangalore.

Budgetary expectations for development funding via the new Karnataka Coastal Development Board (KCDB) were not met, leaving local representatives frustrated. The budget mentioned the setting up of a govt medical college in Puttur, but there was no announcement on fund sanctions. Siddaramaiah also responded to the long-pending demand for development authorities for Kollur Mookambika Temple and Kukke Subrahmanya Temple.


Siddaramaiah said a Centre of Excellence will be established at College of Fisheries, Mangalore, to promote biotechnology-based industries, develop new technology, and support mariculture. Dr HN Anjanayappa, senior professor and dean (fisheries), told TOI the Centre will benefit farmers and students through extension activities. "The Centre of Excellence will cater to employment generation and skill development among students. The centre will be made functional through the Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University, Bidar, once the govt sanctions funds," he said.

The college will also receive Rs 9.9 crore to set up a referral laboratory on its campus through the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad, in association with the state govt, he added.

The budget also proposes increasing the value of the free fisheries requisite kit for fishermen from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 to encourage fishing activities. ‘Matsya Darshinis' will be established in Belagavi, Davangere, Hubballi and Chikkamagaluru to promote fish consumption and provide clean, quality fish products.

Fish markets will be set up in Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Bagalkot to address the need for well-equipped facilities. The govt will allocate rs 20 crore for the maintenance of fishing link roads across the state. Fishermen will be trained to increase fish production in rivers, lakes, farm ponds and reservoirs and to generate stable income through modern technologies.