Blue Revolution can start from Kerala: Union Agriculture Minister

Kerala is the right place for a start to India’s Blue Revolution, said Union Minister for Agriculture Radha Mohan Singh in Kochi on Thursday.

He said that issues related to the makeover of the fisheries sector would be discussed before the next Union Budget. He was speaking at the inauguration of the three-day Global Agro Meet and exhibition of organic products BIOFACH India 2014 at Kurkutty, near Angamaly.

The Blue Revolution envisages transformation of the fisheries sector, chiefly marine fisheries and the Centre had appointed a committee to review India’s marine fisheries policy.

Mr. Singh said that the panel, headed by B. Meenakumari, had submitted its report and that the report was now open for discussions. He called on stakeholders to forward their opinions and suggestions on the report. He said that ht report’s suggestions had not been implemented.

The report had come under serious criticism from the fisheries industry in the country.

Mr. Singh said that funds had been allotted for the development of several fishing jetties in Kerala and emphasised the government’s concern for the fishing community​.