Thursday, February 20, 2014

Commercial fish farming urged



The country can be self dependent on fish production in five to seven years, if traditional ways are commercialised.
Presently, more than 70 per cent of the country’s fish demand is met by imports from India.
Addressing the inauguration of the Fishery Expo in the valley today, the entrepreneurs also asked the government to formulate an effective policy to boost Nepal’s fishery sector that could substitute imports.
Jointly organised by Nepal Fisheries Society and Fishery Association of Nepal, the expo will run for three days at City Hall. Aimed at of promoting the fishery industry, the expo hosts 45 stalls showcasing different species of fish from various districts
"Nepal produces 57,500 tonnes of fish annually, which fulfil only 30 per cent of the total requirement," chairman of Fishery Association of Nepal Tulsi Raj Giri said, adding that the demand has increased to more than 400,000 tonnes annually.
As fish is a healthy source of protein due to its omega fatty acid that helps prevent various diseases like sugar, uric acid and blood pressure – because of its low cholesterol content – the commercial production of fish has huge potential. The commercial production of fish is also possible due to high return.
Currently, Bara, Janakpur, Chitwan, Rupandehi, Rautahat, Makwanpur and Parsa are the major fish producing districts.

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